Greetings on this second Sunday in Advent. The word advent comes from the Latin word adventus which means coming. During the Advent season we anticipate the coming of Jesus as commemorated in His birth. However, there is a deeper meaning to Advent. The Greek word parousia also signifies a coming of the Lord but it is connected to the second coming which we anticipate as Christians. On Christmas we celebrate His first coming but Advent is also a time we anticipate His Second Coming. It is a time of reflection and fasting filled with hope and the joy of expectation.
In 2 Peter 3:10 we read, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” We await His Second Coming, we talk
about His Second Coming, we pray it will come soon and relieve us from earthly oppression but are we really ready should He return now?
In the parable of the ten virgins (read Matthew 25:1-13) we read in verse 5, “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” Jesus is the bridegroom who is coming back for His church. As in this parable, some Christians are prepared and wise and some are not equipped but are foolish. Though He may appear to be delayed, His
timing is perfect. Yet, some slumber in the complacency of the world and sleep through the Kingdom significance of their life.
In Revelation 6:15 Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches.…” A thief comes to one who is unprepared, to one who has not established a hedge of protection, to one who does not have a personal connection to the ultimate security system…salvation and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us that if we watch we will be blessed. Strong’s Concordance, 1227, notes that the word watch in this context comes from the Greek, diablepo, which translates to see clearly, to open eyes wide.
During this Advent season seek the Lord that you may see clearly what His plan and design is for you. Open your eyes wide to the possibilities He has just for you. Await with great anticipation His coming a Christmas and His Second Coming. Fill your lamp with oil and trim the wick as you await the bridegroom!
Thank you for your continued prayers and commitment. Remember those service men and women who will not be home for Christmas and if you personally know a family member waiting for them at home, do something special for them…they serve also as they wait and pray. May
God richly bless you and bring you to a greater depth with Him this Advent
season.
I received this link in an email from one of Esther’s Warriors and was quite touched by it. It is called, “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” It is well worth the time to watch and listen. Thank you, Louise for
sending this!
It took me time to learn all the comments, but I honestly loved the blog. It proved to be very advantageous to me and I’m positive to all of the followers here!
my website is family vacation ideas.
Thank you so much for your comment. The Lord is gracious to provide. I will look into your website also and hope to hear from you again!
Just where is the facebook like link ?
There will be a facebook link in 2012.
I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to reach my goals. I definitely love reading everything that is written on your blog.Keep the tips coming. I enjoyed it!
Thank you for the kind words. I continue to learn myself from every minute of life and each post that results. God is faithful to provide us with learning if we are open to hear Him. Look forward to hearing from you again. God bless you mightily in 2012!