“Then he said to them, I am deeply grieved even to death, remain here, and stay awake with me. Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, so could you not stay awake with me one hour? Again he came and found them sleeping for their eyes were heavy.” Matthew 26: 38, 40-41, 43.
Advent is recognized during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is often marked by a period of fasting and penitence. Advent historically marked the anticipation of the birth of Christ prophesized by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 60: 1-3).
The advent season calls us into deep introspection and preparation for the coming of God’s greatest gift to us in Jesus Christ; but this season of expectation, anticipation, and preparation feels different this year.
As I reflect on God’s act to reveal divine love and grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, suffering, death and resurrection, the phrase, “could you not stay awake with me one hour,” seems more relevant than in years past.
This year it is easier for me to relate to the sense of urgency that Jesus felt, when he turned to the disciples for support during his time of great need.
Difficult times were rapidly approaching for Jesus, and he needed to shift his attention in order to stay focused on God’s promises instead of on his impending act of suffering.
As we continue to face difficult times in our nation, and in our world, waiting takes on a new meaning. We must guard against the temptation to become “heavy eyed” and turn away in hopes that when we awaken things will be better. Our call to discipleship requires us to wait actively through these difficult times and to stay focused on God’s promises of an abundant future.
It is so difficult to stay awake when we feel helpless and overwhelmed with the problems of health reform, joblessness, declining church membership, divisive issues within our denomination, and decreasing budget lines. We have our own problems. We are preoccupied with concerns within our households and within our closest circle of friends.
How comforting it would be to just close our eyes and give in to all of the stimuli around us that seem to be pointing us away from the true meaning of Christmas and toward the blinding lights of too much and too many.
My Advent prayer for us is that we will stay awake this year and remember all of the people who long for deliverance from the evils of this present age. May our active waiting remind them and us that God hears and responds to the cries of those who mourn. As we pray for others may the light of Christ still come into the world as it reflects upon the activity of our hearts and hands.
Staying awake might mean buying less for ourselves and sharing more with others this year.
Staying awake might mean remembering that the look of homelessness, hopelessness and hunger has been broadened.
Staying awake might mean sharing the good news of the advent message; a message of hope, joy, expectation, preparation and longing.
Staying awake might mean hosting a family fast instead of a traditional holiday meal.
If we are not careful, we could, like the early disciples, sleep through this most important season; a season that gives us the opportunity to bring focus to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.
This year when there are so many uncertainties, so much fear and pain, let us actively wait for the coming of Christmas by putting the concerns of others above our own; and strive to model what the “Word made flesh dwelling among us” means in a practical and relevant way.
Let this Advent season be different! As we anticipate and eagerly await the unknown hour of Christ’s second coming, may we be “awakened” people who actively wait. Let us wait by helping those closest to us and those around us focus on God’s everlasting promises of hope and grace.
