Advent

Last weekend saw the beginning of advent. We think of it as the time to prepare for Christmas, the hustle and bustle and the excitement begins to build although it seems to have started several weeks ago. The children and many adults too, start to open their advent calendars in the countdown for the big day.

That’s not really what advent is about. In the Church’s calendar it’s the time to reflect on, and prepare for, the second coming of Jesus Christ.

At the moment, there seem to be many things to worry about. There are many things causing concern, especially for Christians in our nation (the UK), as the laws which were born out of our Christian roots are being eroded away. In Luke chapter 21, Jesus Himself is talking about the things which we shall see prior to His return. Many of these things sound even worse than the things we’re already facing in the world at the moment.

The thing that struck me in our verses for today was the warning Jesus gives not to be ‘caught unaware like a trap’. On that day when He returns the things we may be worrying about and the decisions that our governments are trying to make which seem so vital will be completely insignificant. The only thing that will matter is our alertness and readiness for Him, and that we can ‘stand before’ Him.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that we shouldn’t continue to pray for our nations and governments. Pray for God’s mercy and grace amidst the ungodliness that sometimes goes on, and wisdom for the leaders. However, it does mean that, during this season, which to a large degree has become more about the retail industry going into overdrive than the return of Jesus to earth, we should make time to be sure that we’re ready if Jesus comes back today.

Prayer: Help me Lord Jesus, in the midst of the pressures of this season, to be ready to stand before You and with You when You return to earth. Thank You, Amen.