Scripture

“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42

Reflections

The season of Advent is one of the most underappreciated liturgical seasons.  It is tempting to look at it as just a busy season to endure before we get to Christmas.

But think about the Advent wreath.  On the first Sunday, one candle is lit.  On the second Sunday, two candles are lit, etc.  Finally, the white Christ candle is lit on Christmas Day.  Our younger ones love it.  The sense of anticipation and excitement grows.  Their minds are always focused on the promised great day of Christmas.

As adults, it is easy to forget the sense of anticipation and excitement and awe that comes with waiting for Christ’s return.  We become near-sighted and lose sight of the promised day.  Our vision becomes clouded by the drudgery of the moment.  But Jesus still reminds us that that day will come.  It will come like the great flood to the unsuspecting people in Noah’s day.  It will come like a thief in the night.  We are called to expand our vision from the here and now to God’s greater plan.

Jesus said that unless we become like children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Perhaps now is a good time for us to reconnect with our “inner child” and embrace the anticipation and excitement and awe as we await Christ’s return.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for opening my eyes to see beyond the here and now.  Grant me a sense of eager anticipating and excitement and awe as I await your return.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Matthew 24:36-44