Lighting the First Candle- - Stand Up

Devotion by: Pastor Scott McAnally

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
²⁵There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. ²⁶People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. ²⁸Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. ³⁴Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, ³⁵like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

I can remember as a child going on long-awaited vacations and trips and constantly asking my parents, ‘Are we there yet?’ I knew what waited at the end of the journey was going to be exciting…so as each mile and minute passed, so did the anticipation for the experience to come.
Once again, we begin our journey to Bethlehem. Isaiah writes in the famous advent quotation, “the people in darkness have seen a great light!” We have seen and been told of a light…Jesus the light of the world…so like the wise men so very long ago we follow that light as it takes us on a journey…and with each passing moment anticipation builds as we get closer and closer. Our verses from Luke today remind us of that eager anticipation of what that moment of arrival could be (vs. 25-28). Luke also reminds us to ‘be on guard’ while on our journey because many times the journey’s darkness will try to draw us away from the light. Luke reminds us to continue towards the light…and upon our arrival at Bethlehem something totally unexpected will be waiting for us. “Are we there yet?” No. Not yet, but soon.

Prayer: God of light, give us strength, courage and patience as we begin our journey to Bethlehem. Enliven us with your Holy Spirit that we may live in your love anticipating the great high feast and celebration that you have planned for us in the gift of your Son, Baby Jesus. Amen.