Unexpected Visitors

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40 NIV

Growing up, we would sometimes have people drop in unexpectedly to visit. Often it was family, but not always. Mom would invite them in and offer them a glass of tea or a cup of coffee. The adults would sit around and talk, and if there were other kids, we would go off to play. We never thought of these as interruptions or intrusions but were excited because they had come to see us.

I wonder if Jesus were to come to our doors today, would we welcome him in? Or would we be annoyed because he interrupted our binge-watching something on Netflix? Would we offer him in or conduct a brief Amazon driver nicety on the doorstep? Would we make lame excuses about germs exposure, the house being a mess, or the kids (or pets) being too rambunctious?

Jesus is coming back like an unexpected visitor; we don't know when but we need to be prepared. Once he's come, it's too late. We don't clean the house or bake a cake after the guests have arrived. Likewise, we can't wait to put our house in order after Jesus comes. The time to prepare is not sometime in the future; that's not guaranteed but today at this moment, right now.

God, during this time of Advent, we are reminded of Christ's coming. We prepare not only for Jesus' birth but also for his return. We believe in that promise, and for those who are ready, it will be a joyful reunion. God, please help us prepare so we may meet him excitedly. So that we may open our doors with the greeting, "It has been so long, and we are happy you are here." In your Son Jesus, the Savior of the world, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim