Hopefully Prepared
Scripture: Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Before coming to the De Pree Center, I had never heard of Advent.
At church, at home, and at work, we only celebrated Christmas – often putting on plays and hosting office parties to commemorate Jesus' birth and teach people about the significance of Christ's first coming. However, since learning more about Advent, I've grown to appreciate this season as a time of celebration and hopeful anticipation.
As Advent undoubtedly gives Christians space to reflect on Christ's birth in Bethlehem as the starting point to the gift of salvation, Advent also recognizes that Jesus will come again. This time, to reclaim his disciples, bring justice to the world, and dwell with his people in a restored creation forever.
Therefore, we must be ready, as the hopeful anticipation of Christ's second coming should influence every aspect of our lives, including how we approach our work.
In Romans 13:11-14, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome, urging them to "wake up." His words remind us that Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection are only the beginning of the story of salvation, and that the same Savior who arrived in humility to die for our sins will return in glory and power to judge the world and right its wrongs. This truth offers hope to those who follow Christ, but also serves as a stern warning to those who fail to repent.
This passage equips us to remain steadfast in our faith and within God's grace until the end by offering Christians a roadmap for how to conduct ourselves in our homes and workplaces. Paul instructs the church that to prepare for Jesus' second coming, we must lay aside our "deeds of darkness" and live our lives as children of light; this means continually striving for holiness and tending to our spiritual formation until Jesus returns. Specifically at work, this might mean avoiding negative behaviors, office gossip, or unethical practices, and instead, striving for integrity, kindness, and professionalism.
Still, Paul's message isn't meant to hold us hostage. Rather, it gives us hope, encouraging us that by staying focused on Christ and aligning our daily actions with Jesus' teachings, we can honor God with our lives. In doing so, we not only prepare ourselves for Jesus' return, but also influence others to prepare themselves for the complete fulfillment of God's kingdom.
In this way, Advent becomes a time for us to prepare with hopeful anticipation, understanding that we prepare because we believe.
So, as we celebrate Advent in commemoration of Jesus' birth, we also reflect on our actions and realign our priorities in anticipation of Jesus' return. This season encourages us to seek forgiveness, extend compassion to others, and actively embody Jesus in our daily lives and work, enabling us to shine brighter as we wait for what's to come.
Therefore, let us use this time wisely, leaning on Christ, adhering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and building an intimate relationship with God through the Word and prayer, so that we may shine as beacons of hope and light.
Reflect
What are some "deeds of darkness" in your life that you might need to set aside? How can you actively replace these with actions that reflect the "armor of light"?
Can you identify areas in your life or work where you might be lacking hope? What steps can you take to address those feelings?
Act
Commit to performing at least one intentional act of kindness this week. This act of kindness could be as simple as helping a neighbor or colleague, volunteering at a local charity, or reaching out to someone who may need encouragement. Reflect on how these actions help you embody the teachings of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we enter this season of Advent, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to bring us salvation and hope. Please help us to awaken from our slumber and to live as children of light, setting aside the deeds of darkness that hinder our relationship with you. May we clothe ourselves with your holiness, love, and grace, reflecting your character in our daily lives.
Grant us clarity to identify areas where we lack hope and the courage to address them through faith and service to others. Empower us to spread your light in a world that needs it, readily anticipating your glorious return.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
