Advent reminds us to ‘watch’ and ‘be ready’ for that day, because we do not know when he will come again. It does no good to try to guess when that time will be since Jesus told us know one will know the day or hour. He just told us to be awake. And that's what Advent, at its best does as well, reminding us to be alert and to not be overwhelmed by the clamor around us that proclaims a different kind of Christmas (all about presents under the tree and economic stimulus!)
So how do we 'stay awake' ? Perhaps in the same way that we stay alert when we know that we will have guests for Christmas. We decorate the tree, we clean, perhaps cook and bake and certainly wait with expectation and excitement. Since Jesus will come again, we prepare and look forward to that great day. Even though we don't know the exact time, we can still fill our hearts with excitement that it will happen!
Keeping Advent as a time of preparation and expectation helps us feel a sense of celebration and anticipation. The message is clear: take hope. No matter what you face, if you follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior, there is hope. He is coming. He is coming! Let us prepare for the birth of our Lord in our own hearts and let us prepare for His coming again. Happy Advent!