Advent - Preparing for the Master's Return

As we all well know, Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ child, God incarnate,  and a time of preparation for the second coming of our Lord.  It is a season of quiet anticipation, a season of hope.  It is also a penitential season - though the post-modern culture doesn't like to make much of a fuss about preparing our hearts and souls.  On the first Sunday in Advent, we heard the words of Jesus according to St. Mark:

"But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Take heed, watch, for you do not know when the time will come.  It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore -- for you do knot know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or a cockcrow, or in the morning -- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.  And what I say to you I say to all:  Watch." (Mark 13:32-37, ESV)

Serious words.  Urgent words...

Though awake, are my heart and soul asleep?  Is my work done?   Am I ready for the Master's return?

As I ponder the preparations for the great celebration of Christmas (decorating, baking, shopping, etc.), I must make it my priority to prepare my heart and soul for the Master's return.  He really won't care about the trees, the wreath, the mantle or the cookies.  He cares about our  love for Him, our commitment to living out His Word -  as we seek to love one another, meet the needs of the sick, the poor, the needy and make Him know to others.

So, I must set my heart in order and live out my priorities.  The decorations, baking and shopping can wait until the real work is done.  Spending time in keeping Advent,  time in His Word, fasting, searching my heart for things that need to change and service to those in need have a great deal more urgency  and relevance in the eyes of God.

Please visit Kerry, at A Ten O'Clock Scholar, as she hosts the Nativity Carnival - Keeping Advent  through  Epiphany.