3 DEC 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.” 1 Thess. 5: 2, 6
Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, bringing excitement and joy as we prepare for Christmas. As a child, I would start preparing my Christmas list for what I hoped Santa would bring me. Taking the Sunday advertisements, the J. C. Penny, and Sears catalogs I would highlight, and make a list of items wished for the jot them down on a piece of paper. Anticipation was further fueled by all of the things that my family and church did in preparation.
It is a wonder that my head didn’t explode with all the stimulation of the season. I love this time of year because it is about wonder excitement and joy. It is not about the gifts, activities, or family, but Jesus. Advent means coming and as we approach Christmas we remember the first coming of Christ, but also look forward to the second. For hundreds of years, people expected and desired to see the coming Messiah who would be King. They wanted to be a strong and independent Kingdom free of their oppressors.
When Jesus came though, they were surprised so much so that most didn’t recognize or rejected him because he didn’t meet their expectations. Those who received him also received the best gift of all, God himself. When we receive Jesus we are eternally connected in a relationship with God, the creator of all things. Jesus stated that he would return to gather his people when both the time and the number were right. We don’t know either of those factors.
What we do know is that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, in an instant, and at any time. As we enter the Advent Season, it allows us to pause and look forward with great expectation and anticipation. The times reveal the great possibility of his coming maybe sooner rather than later. That being said, he tells us to be on guard, alert, and doing the Father’s business until he returns. Don’t get caught asleep doing your own thing, but be ready!
Are you anticipating Jesus’ second coming?
Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Amos 1:1-5, 13-2:8; 1 Thes. 5:1-11; Luke 21:5-19
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