“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt. 24:44)

The Season of Advent started on Sunday (Dec. 2nd). Advent is a time for us pause and reflect upon the coming of the Messiah. As such, it is contemplative in nature. During the first half of Advent we focus upon the Second Coming of Christ, when He will return in power and glory “to judge the living and the dead.” This reflection should lead to a couple of responses within us: hope and renewal.

Hope because the return of our King is the fulfillment of our faith. It is when we will stand before our Savior in blessed joy. Renewal because it makes us ponder the life we are now living. The New Tesatment is full of warnings to take seriously the call to live a godly and righteous life because we do not know the hour of Jesus’ return. We want to be found faithful and hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

I want to encourage all of us in the early Advent Season to stop and contemplate the Return of the King. The challenge for us is that in the culture at large, we are already well into the “Christmas Season” (I believe it started sometime before Halloween!). We have to work hard to not be overwhelmed by everything around us screaming at us to celebrate now. I’m not saying to withdraw, but in the midst of the Christmas parties, shopping, etc., find time to stop and focus upon Christ, His coming, and the faith we are now living.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)