“Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming
at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44 (ESV)
“Hurry up and wait” is a familiar phrase in the military. When one gets ready for deployment, doubtless, one has a long checklist before finally deploying. Receiving specialized training, getting the necessary immunizations, packing the gear, and saying goodbyes are some of the steps that happen before the big day. After rigorous preparation, a soldier is ready for it just to happen! More common, however, is a time of waiting…and more waiting. It takes a disciplined soldier to maintain that edge both mentally and physically.
Like a soldier preparing for battle, it’s time to get ready as we “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). Let the preparations of Advent 2022 begin!
1. Watch. “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13. Be on guard! Be vigilant! Do not get lazy or lackadaisical. Our bridegroom is coming! We, His beloved church, wait in hope and expectation!
Rejoice, rejoice, believers, And let your lights appear;
The evening is advancing, And darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising And soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle; At midnight comes the cry. (LSB 515.4)
2. Worship. As we await Jesus’ glorious return, even now in our Sunday Eucharist, we join the heavenly immortal choir gathered around the radiant throne in a banquet that will never end.
Now let all the heavens adore Thee.
Let saints and angels sing before Thee
With harp and cymbals clearest tone
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where joining with the choir immortal,
We gather round Thy radiant throne.
No eye has seen the light.
No ear has heard the might of Thy glory;
Therefore will we eternally
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee. (LSB 516.3)
3. Wait. In our waiting, we pray that we maintain a soldier’s discipline, keeping awake as we await our Bridegroom. We wait for perfect peace. We wait for a world where there is no pain. We wait for a world free from sin. We wait for Jesus!
Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear;
Arise, O Sun so longed for, O’er this benighted sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted, We plead, O Lord, to see
The day of earth’s redemption That sets Your people free! (LSB 515.4)
A blessed Advent to you, dear Sisters in Christ, as we await our coming King!
Cantor Jean Boehler
Vice President for Spiritual Life,
LWML Atlantic District