Tuesday December 7, 2021

Today is Tuesday, December 7 and during this second week of Advent we explore what the Bible says about watchfulness.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus my mind on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for loving me and watching over me. You know all things and you know what is best for me. Reveal the message you have for me today through the power of your Holy Spirit. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I praise God for his loving kindness and gracious mercy with the words of Psalm 63.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalm 63:3-6

Pause and Pray

The season of Advent is about the coming of Christ, the coming of Jesus as a baby to save the world, the coming of Jesus into hearts this Christmas, and the coming of Jesus at his promised return. Paul writes to the Christians at Thessalonica and promises them that all believers will be with the Lord Jesus forever (Thessalonians 4:13-18). Like many early Christians, the Thessalonians expected the apocalyptic end to arrive soon. Some believers asked Paul to provide an eschatological time-table. Paul reminds them what Jesus said about his return, that he would come like a “thief in the night” and no one would know the hour or the day. In chapter five, Paul emphasizes that no one can predict the time of the end and the return of Jesus Christ.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

The journey of Advent is about learning to stay awake in the spiritual life and watch for the Lord. I consider how the days before the coming Christmas celebration are filled with preparations and anticipation, waiting for the festivities to begin – shopping, decorating, baking, cooking, and wrapping gifts. Advent however is about something far greater, it is about preparing myself and anticipating the coming of Jesus into my life and my world. Joining with all Christians over the centuries, I watch and hope for the kingdom of heaven to arrive. Paul tells me I am a child of the light and a child of the day. I am to stay awake and sober, attentive to God’s movements. I do not belong to the night or darkness like others who are spiritually asleep. I pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in my life, in my family, in my church, in my world.

Ask: Where do I see God at work in the world around me? How is God preparing me for the future and keeping me awake to his goodness and love?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, I watch and wait for you with excitement and anticipation. Come and set the world right bringing your love, hope, joy and peace. Grant me the grace to stay awake and sober, watching in the spiritual light of day and not surprised when you arrive suddenly. Keep me in the light as you are in the light. I read Thessalonians again, listening for the message you have for me today.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

The Bible repeatedly promises the return of Jesus Christ and tells me that no one will know the hour or the day. Like the brothers and sisters of Thessalonica, I sometimes want to know the times and dates of future events. I consider how Paul juxtaposes light and darkness. Where do I find myself spiritually? What is God trying to tell me about my current life of faith? Am I living in the night, assuming “peace and safety?” Am I in spiritual darkness, asleep to the movements of God? Am I living in the light, awake and sober, prepared and watching for the day when Jesus will come into the world? Come into my life? Come into my heart? Come into my home? Am I confident Jesus is on his way, coming into my circumstances? Am I watching with anticipation, looking for Jesus to bring hope, peace, love and joy to me?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, I pray you will come into my life today. I invite you into my circumstances and ask you to set things right. Help me learn to stay spiritually awake and clothed in the grace of your righteousness watching for any darkness that threatens to cast a shadow on the goodness you bring. Amen.

“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” Revelation 16:15

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I am awakened by the power of the Holy Spirit and watch for opportunities to pour blessings into the lives of others. Amen.