Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Read Romans 13:11-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Besides 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; Verse 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; Verse 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Verse 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Devotion
How many times don't we ask "What time is it?" The question may be about an event close at hand and particular. But it may also be a question about the big picture—about matters of our lives and of the future. Advent invites questions about God's timing and God's future. Paul asserts that in God's timing our future is both a matter of the big picture and an event that is close at hand. The future is now. God's salvation in Christ is as close each day's change from darkness to light, as sure as the putting on of our clothes at the dawning of a new day. God promises today and each day a fresh start in which we can trust in God’s power to enable us to live in a way that our lives match the new clothes of God's promising future.
Prayer
God of power and light, lift our minds to comprehend the promise of your salvation; help us to meet the Advent of your new day clothed in the light of your promises and hope. Amen.