Friday, November 30, 2012

"Anticipation . . ."

Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

December 2nd is the first Sunday of Advent.  In honor of this sacred season, I am posting, with few changes, the devotion I wrote last year.  Enjoy!

The season of Advent is a time of preparation.  Our minds and hearts are once again on the road to Bethlehem.  Our destination?  Christmas Day and the joyful welcoming of our Savior into the world.

But, Advent is more than the Christmas story.  It is also a time to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the day when the Lord will return.

The Second Coming.

It is a time of watching and waiting.  Of expectation and anticipation.

We know not the day nor the hour . . .

It could be a thousand years from now.

It could be tomorrow.

It could be now . . .

Are you ready?

I hope you will take time this season to reflect, to pray, and to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
~
Will you make room in your heart for Jesus today?

Will you pray with me?
During this season of Advent, Father, let us not succumb to the distractions of the secular world.  Help us to focus on Your coming into the world to redeem us.  Let us meditate upon Your promise to come again.  Create within us clean hearts where there is plenty of room for you.  Amen.

18 comments:

  1. How time flies, Advent is just around the corner! :-) This post is a great reminder for me to be prepared for Christ's second coming. I admit and am embarrassed that I am losing focus on that because my attention was drawn to worldly things lately like money and success. But a relationship with God and being committed to that relationship with Him is the most important thing because it will last for eternity.

    Thank you so much for the beautiful reminder, Martha! God bless and much love to you <3 :-)

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Irene!
      Oh, it is so easy to be lured into worldly pursuits and lose our focus on the very one who has given us the talents and gifts to be successful. Advent is a wonderful time to reflect upon God loving us so much that He chose to be born and live among us in order to save us all. May you have a most blessed Advent season, my friend!
      Blessings to you!

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  2. What happened to July and August?! Here we are at Advent again! Last year, Advent celebrated the arrival of my two grandchildren just shortly before. Yes, a time to settle quietly and prepare.

    I just read your last post, too, and loved it. We have a few pew claimers in my church! I like to think they would not ask anyone to move, though. I like to sit in the back because visitors often sit in the back and I can meet them and welcome them.

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Galen!
      I know! How time does fly. I love to savor each day of Advent as I prepare for welcoming our Lord into the world . . .
      Glad you enjoyed the other post, too; I think it's great you sit in the back to welcome visitors. Way to go! :)
      Blessings to you!

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  3. What a lovely thought, preparing for god to return again on earth. Thank you for sharing this. Can't believe this year is almost coming to an end.

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Rimly!
      Yes, it doesn't seem possible that another year is winding down. Where does the time go?
      Glad you enjoyed the post, my friend.
      Blessings to you!

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  4. Great post...Advent is a beautiful time of year for reflection and re-orientation of priorities.
    ~ blessings~

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    1. Yes, Jessica, I heartily agree - Advent is a perfect time for reflection in the midst of a world telling us to shop 'til we drop.
      Thanks so much for visiting, my friend!
      Blessings to you!

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  5. Beautiful thought!

    It seems this year just simply flew by.... a wonderful post making us look back and reflect on that we did, could have done, can do and will do.

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Me!
      As I said to Jessica, this is the season of reflection and waiting when the world demands our hustle and bustle. I always let Advent win out! :)
      Blessings to you!

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  6. Love this time of year and the emphasis on preparation. How different from the media hype of rushing, shopping, over-scheduling. Be still and know I am Lord.

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    1. Amen, Lynne, my favorite season, too! Every year, Danny and I strive to keep it as simple and peaceful as possible, and, most of the time, we can make it work. :)
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Blessings to you!

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  7. A season to introspect, reflect and emerge rejuvenated!

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    1. Yes, Rachna, it certainly is!
      Thanks so much for coming by!
      Blessings to you!

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  8. I admit that I have a part of the preparation a few days before Christmas...but I did wait for Him...

    Thank you for your faithfulness. I could reflect on so many things by running through your blog.

    I pray with you.

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    1. Thank you, Melissa, for your faithfulness which always shines in your comments.
      And, thanks, too, as ever, for praying with me!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Lovely post Martha. I believe that if we keep Him in our hearts, then He has already come again. Blessings to you and yours. I hope you had a lovely Christmas. Wish you Peace, Joy and Love.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Suzy, and for your lovely comment.
      Hope your Christmas was splendid, too. May our Lord keep and bless you in the new year!
      Blessings!

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