Week of December 2, 2007, Matthew 24:36-44

One of the Scriptures for Sunday, the first Sunday in the Advent season of preparation for Christmas, is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verses 36 to 44. In this passage Jesus is telling His disciples about the end of time and that we need to be watchful and ready:
36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Jesus, thanks for reminding us that we need to keep our eyes on You as we live in our everyday, ordinary world. Help me to have eyes here, and also forward focused with my life to come. Jesus, if You come in the way the Gospels proclaim in power and glory, or if You come to each of us personally at the time of our death, You are coming, and we are not longed for this world. So help me to have an “other-world” focus as I live in this world.

Father God, during this Advent season of preparation and reflection, may I be more aware of Your impact on my life, Your mercy and grace, Your love and strength, the Gift that You are in me that I have already received. And then may I continue to give thanks – for life, for life in You, for eternal life that You give.

Thanks for Your presence, Lord, and Your peace in this season. Amen.


May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to Himself;
May the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in His service;
May the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls;
May the fire of the Holy Spirit bring comfort, guidance and fervency;
And may the blessing of the almighty and most merciful God - Creator, Word and eternal Holy Spirit - be upon us and remain with us always.
In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you would like to leave a message or a prayer request, e-mail me at: peacewm@tds.net.
May you have a sense of God's presence with you this week and always.