“Now as to the periods and times, brothers and sisters, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, New American Standard Bible).

As we begin Advent, a new year begins on the church calendar. We leave the past behind us and look ahead in anticipation.

For many Americans, “the Christmas season” began several weeks ago when department stores and websites began promoting their Black Friday sales. Any anticipation is focused on giving and receiving presents, planning family gatherings, etc. However, the traditional church celebration of Advent is about spiritual anticipation and looking forward to God’s work and presence in our lives and world.

The Scripture readings focus on the Jewish people’s anticipation of the Messiah, which was fulfilled when Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. While the Jewish people have not recognized Jesus as their Messiah, we join in the anticipation, commemorating its fulfillment in Christ.

We also look forward, awaiting His return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Jesus came in turbulent times. The Jewish people were living under Roman oppression and occupation. We still live in turbulent times. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East make many wonder if we are on the brink of World War III. Will the antichrist emerge soon? Will global warming and climate change destroy humanity? Even if humanity survives, will Western civilization abide?

Whatever happens in our world, Christians have the assurance that Jesus is coming again and that our blessed hope is eternity with Him. He guarantees eternal, abundant, joyful life for all who call upon Him by faith.

Are we as eager for eternity with Jesus as small children awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus? Are we preparing our hearts and minds to be prepared for whatever the Lord plans to do in our lives and the world around us?

Let us prepare ourselves for whatever the Lord plans to do in our lives over the coming year. In the midst of shopping, decorating, parties, and other seasonal festivities, let us make time for prayer, worship, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

Almighty God, give us the grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (from The Book of Common Prayer).

How are you preparing your heart in anticipation of the Lord’s work in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.