For the First Sunday of Advent…
Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42
Like most people as they get older, I am finding that life moves quickly—work, family, plans for tomorrow, and so on. It’s easy to slip into routine without noticing God’s presence. For example, if I don’t take time to pray in the morning before work, my day feels disjointed and I often never find that same quiet time during the rest of the day. Jesus reminds us that his coming will be sudden, like the people in Noah’s time when they were caught off guard. It is important, however, to not live in fear, but to be in the moment, to be aware and intentional.
Every ordinary moment can be holy when we choose love, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Advent reminds us that waiting with joy should be active and hopeful. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we are called to “stay awake” by living today as if Christ were already here—because he is, in the people we meet and through that ways serve others. When we stay awake spiritually, we discover peace even in uncertainty. We surrender to God and trust that his timing is perfect.
Our task is simple: Be faithful now.
Lord, help me to “stay awake” and live each day alert to your presence. May I always be ready to welcome you with joy.
David Dziena
Publisher of Living Faith
This is a guest post from David Dziena who has served as an editorial leader with Bayard for more than ten years. Learn more about him at LivingFaith.com.
