GOD’S WORD—Matthew 24:44
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
MEDITATION
The folks at Verizon Fios advertise their services by saying: “This Is Big!” The ones who were ready at the first coming of the Son of Man didn’t appear to be ready for anything “big”. Those shepherds -- the “blue-collar” workers of Jesus’ day, lodged, as they were, at the bottom rung of the economic totem pole -- had no idea what was in store on that first Christmas. For them, it was another night on the job. More than likely, their hopes for the day meant that they would have enough to live by. Their hopes for the future probably included the eventual arrival of a King and Messiah – with royal trappings and military might.
With a blaze of angelic glory, they were told of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. The Savior of the world wears diapers! Who would have thought? It turned out to be very big with them. There was no doubt or hesitation. They never asked among themselves if they were ready. Instead, up and off they go – leaving their flocks behind. They went to see the swaddled child and then proceeded to announce the good word! The sort of readiness they demonstrated had a sense of astonishment, urgency, and wonder to it. Advent is, indeed, big! It gifts us and schools us in the kind of readiness Jesus seeks!
PRAYER
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come; that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by your mighty deliverance; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
VERSE
Wake, awake, for night is flying. The watchmen on the heights are crying:
Awake, Jerusalem, at last.
Midnight hears the welcome voices, and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
“Come forth, You maidens! Night is past. The bridegroom comes!
Awake, your lamps with gladness take!”
Alleluia! And for his marriage feast prepare, for you must go to meet Him there.
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