Jesus understands that alertness and preparedness is tough to maintain across 2000 years. And so Jesus gives his disciples a renewed excitement during this time of Advent. We have the excited anticipation of a newborn baby in the manger, and of the tremendous change that occurs in our relationship with God as a result. We have the excited anticipation of gathering with family and friends in Jesus' name, of games and meals and relaxation and re-connection. We have the excited anticipation of the Sunday School program, of seeing and hearing the children portraying the story of our Messiah's birth in songs and actions. We have the excited anticipation of the candlelight, the traditions, the old familiar carols, and of course, the gifts of joy and gratitude and love, given and received. And all of this excitement reminds us of the even bigger excitement - that we are pregnant with the resurrected life, that at the proper time, we will be transformed and given immortality, and everything will change. This excitement strengthens our hearts in holiness, pulls us away from the world, and draws us closer to God. And in this excitement, preparations follow naturally and joyfully, like painting bunnies on the new nursery walls. We pray, we have Advent devotions, we sing, we gather around the Advent wreath, because we know the Son of Man is coming. We raise our heads, because our redemption is drawing near.
Gracious God, let us feel the excited anticipation of your Son's return, and let it propel us to use this time of Advent for preparation of what really matters. Guide us to greater trust in you, in Jesus name, amen.