STAY AWAKE

Today is Second Sunday of Advent

Matthew 3:2
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

We would go to the beach. The night before that, I cannot sleep. My mother would tell me that I am excited. I said no, I am not excited – I just don’t want to be left behind me when the morning comes and it is time to go. So, I have to stay awake.

It was Christmas Eve. I cannot sleep and have to wait for midnight. My mother would tell me to sleep and she will just wake me up in time for the midnight dinner. I said no, I have to stay awake for she might not wake me up and miss everything that I have waited for. So, I have to stay awake.

I can still remember other instances wherein I have to stay awake, prepare and wait for something or someone. In this season of advent, may we be reminded to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately then, waiting upon God protects us, deepens our trust in Him, forces us to seek His ways and brings Him the most glory. They are times the Lord is testing whether we are really seeking Him and His ways. So, I have to stay awake.

As we prepare for the coming of the Lord, let us pray +

Almighty Father, Lord, our God,
We praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ,
For He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people.
He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Savior of us all.

O Lord,
We light a candle today, a small dim light
Against a world that often seems forbidding and dark.
But we light it because we are a people of hope,
A people whose faith is marked by an expectation
That we should always be ready for the coming of the Master.
The Lord will make the darkest places bright, in Jesus’ name.

Amen. +

Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace for ever.