My message will focus on Paul's writing to the Romans, calling on believers there to have a sense of "time" in relation to Jesus' coming again. Here is an excerpt:
"Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;....." Romans 13:11-12
Because we as Christians know of Jesus' coming again, we are instructed to be diligent in terms of our living today. Yes, we are to be alert and not give way to the works of darkness. It is interesting that earlier in this letter Paul wrote that we are not to be conformed to this world. The time to put on the armor of light is now and not tomorrow. We never know the hour of our Lord's coming!
I would have you reflect on how you will be living out your faith in this Advent season leading up to Christmas. We are all aware of the commercialization of Christmas, but will you exemplify that you are different from the world by how you live?
You may want to read the lesson in its entirety which is Romans 13:11-14. May God's blessing be upon your preparation and worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty