Our scripture this morning is Matthew 24:37-44.
When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
Today is the first Sunday in Advent, a time of preparation and expectation. We celebrate the coming of our Savior to live among us and teach us about God’s love. These lessons are given to us to give to others. God wants all His children to know how He cares for us and He has entrusted us with the mission to carry His love everywhere.
God has given us all we need to be able to accomplish this task, but no special training is required, just our repentance for sin and our acceptance of Christ as the example for our lives. He calls everyone, no matter what our background or status, to be the bearers of the Good News that the kingdom of God has come near (Mark 1:15). God loved us so much that He was willing to become one of us to lead us to a better understanding of His promise of eternal life.
How will we prepare ourselves? We gather as the body of Christ to offer our praise and worship, we share our joy in the world, and we wait eagerly, but patiently for His promised return. May the blessings of this season be yours to have and to give to others as we testify to the world that Jesus is Lord!
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Messiah who came to save us and will come again to take us home to be with You forever. Help us to be ever watchful that we may be ready for the coming of Your kingdom. Amen.