Monday, December 5, 2011
Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
AWAKE FOR ADVENT
As a child, I remember my parents letting me stay up on occasion for a movie, a birthday in the family, or when special company was over. Probably the event that stands out the most however was when it came to New Year's Eve. Every year they would actually encourage me to stay awake until midnight to watch the ball drop. How awesome was that? They simply didn't want me to miss it. That tradition will continue to be passed on I'm sure with my children as they get older.
As children of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we believe by faith what Jesus tells us about His second coming. Advent is a season of "readiness." In the passage above, with the Word of God the Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome to be ready for Christ's coming. His words were literally a "wake up call" for those who had fallen asleep in their spiritual lives. Paul knew it was high time that the believers focused more on Christ and their salvation through Him than on the things of this world. He did not want them to miss the Lord's coming!
Stir up and awaken my heart, Oh God, I beg you, by the power of Your Word -- and come! That by Your protection I may be rescued from all my selfishness and worldly sins and delivered by Your Almighty strength. For Your strength is shown in Christ's love and unfailing grace by which You have won my salvation. Encourage my soul by Your Holy Spirit to stay awake and eagerly alert for Your coming because I do not want to miss it! In Jesus my Savior's name, I pray. Amen.
