The Christmas season is not just a time to prepare and remember Jesus first coming into the world, it is also a time to look forward to His second coming. Jesus said; “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'” Here are four ways to keep watch until His return:
1. GOSPEL LIVING
Gospel living is a way of life that is fully surrendered to Jesus. It involves reflecting on our sins and shortcomings while also remembering God’s gracious love for us by sending Jesus to be born, serve, suffer and die to make it possible to enter God’s presence through faith. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:1-4)
2. LIVE DISCERNINGLY
In these last days before Jesus’ return, we should be spiritually and mentally alert to satanic deception and false teaching. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 14,15). “Be very careful, then, how you live– not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15,16)
3. LIVE PRAYERFULLY
Prayer is a vital connection to God. We cannot survive these last days without living in communion with our almighty Heavenly Father. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph 6:18)
4. LIVE EXPECTING TO SUFFER
We need to be prepared for suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus said, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mat 10:22) Paul and Barnabas travelled preaching the good news and “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” (Acts 14:22). But we are not be afraid because Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We will be truly blessed and keep alert if we accept the things God sends, do what He calls us to do and say what He calls us to say.