December 8

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. — Matt 24:42 BSB

The call to “watch” rings throughout the Bible. We are told to be vigilant against temptation, as sin often approaches quietly and subtly. In this passage, however, the watching is about being ready for Christ’s return. His coming will be sudden, without warning, so the only way to be ready is to stay ready at all times. If we relax even for a moment, it may be the very moment He comes.

There’s an old legend about a man who waited a thousand years outside the gates of paradise. Finally, he fell asleep for just one hour, and during that time, the gates opened and closed, and he missed his chance to enter.

When Christ returns, there will be no time to prepare. We must live each day as if it were the day of His return, so that whenever He comes, we will be ready to welcome Him.