advent – Be Still…

Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid

The Gospel of Luke shares more details about what to look for when Jesus returns. People have been noticing such signs for many years, but I’m guessing that what Jesus describes is more intense than any changes we’ve seen.

Even though we’re walking through Advent together, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of the Christmas season. Magnificent as Jesus’ birth was, that was only the beginning. We must never forget Jesus is coming again, too, and that’s something to be ready for! Continue reading “Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid”

Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!

Read Mark 13:24-37

What a passage to reflect on for Advent! We hear from Jesus directly about what his second coming will be like. How helpful it is to know what we are preparing for. Advent reminds us that our job is to be ready, stay alert, and keep watch.

Jesus shares some details so that we’ll be able to recognize them. Otherwise, we might miss some of the signals. Just like when we see trees blooming or grass sprouting up from the ground. We know what those signals mean and can respond accordingly. I’m especially thankful to live in Mexico, where all the flowers and fruits bloom year-round. Continue reading “Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!”

Advent ✝ Revelation 22:12-13 – Soon

Advent will end, just as Christmas morning dawns. The waiting and preparing for Christmas, Jesus’ first coming will be complete. We still have the waiting and preparing for Jesus’ second coming. That is something we have paid special attention to during Advent. Isn’t Jesus’ return something we should think about every day to keep the fires of readiness burning brightly?

Jesus said he was coming soon. Our final Advent reading takes us to the final chapter of the book of Revelation. That is such a great chapter. I remember writing the closing reflection of the book of Revelation back in 2020. Today’s text is from that chapter, and this is what Jesus says through John:

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.”

Advent ? John 14:1-3 – Trust

Have you ever wondered where Jesus went when he left his followers on the mountain that day? Luke tells us in Acts 1 about Jesus’ ascension. In his last in-person appearance, Jesus was “taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.” (Acts 1:9) Surely the disciples must have wondered where he went!

Jesus had prepared them, and these verses from John 14:1-3 tell us where Jesus might have gone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Advent? Matthew 24:42-44 – Watch

This Advent reading comes from Jesus’ teaching on the future found in Matthew 24:

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

Jesus is coming back. He said so himself. Even as we draw closer to the celebration of His first coming, I’m still excited for Jesus’ second coming. Jesus gives us a warning here we should to pay attention to. “Keep watch!” Since we’re not meant to know exactly when he’s coming, being on watch will assure we are not drifting away from God’s loving arms. The not knowing can also make the waiting and watching much harder.