Stay Awake

This week’s Stay Awake

This week’s Gospel is from Mark, 13:33-37.  Jesus compares being watchful for the Lord to a gatekeeper being watchful for the return of “the master of the house”.  Jesus tells us to be watchful because we don’t know when the Lord will return, and we don’t want to be asleep when He comes. 

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that Jesus says we don’t want to be caught asleep.  He doesn’t say that we don’t want to be caught doing something wrong, but rather that we don’t want to be caught asleep. 

Sleep is a funny thing.  It creeps up on you, often without us being fully conscious that it’s happening.  And sleep is a powerful force. 

So, this Advent, let’s encourage each other not to fall asleep to God’s message.  Especially in these days of literal isolation and darkness, staying awake can be really difficult.  At least it is for me.  Do whatever you can to stay awake.  Read God’s word.  Pray.  Go to church when you can.  Share love with those around you.  It may feel dark now, but I truly believe the daylight is coming.        The Older Brother. 

 Gospel is from Mark, 13:33-37.  Jesus compares being watchful for the Lord to a gatekeeper being watchful for the return of “the master of the house”.  Jesus tells us to be watchful because we don’t know when the Lord will return, and we don’t want to be asleep when He comes. 

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that Jesus says we don’t want to be caught asleep.  He doesn’t say that we don’t want to be caught doing something wrong, but rather that we don’t want to be caught asleep. 

Sleep is a funny thing.  It creeps up on you, often without us being fully conscious that it’s happening.  And sleep is a powerful force. 

So, this Advent, let’s encourage each other not to fall asleep to God’s message.  Especially in these days of literal isolation and darkness, staying awake can be really difficult.  At least it is for me.  Do whatever you can to stay awake.  Read God’s word.  Pray.  Go to church when you can.  Share love with those around you.  It may feel dark now, but I truly believe the daylight is coming.        The Older Brother.