December 5 — Mark 13:33–37

Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.

It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”
— Mark 13:33-37


Jesus’ words in this passage remind us that Advent is not only a season of comfort but also a season of alertness. His call—“Keep watch!”—is not meant to create fear but to awaken expectation. The master is returning, Jesus says, and His people are meant to live with attentive hearts, eyes open to God’s presence and hands ready for God’s work. The Christian life is not passive waiting; it is active readiness. Advent teaches us to watch for the ways Christ is already moving in the world and to anticipate the fullness of His coming with hope, eagerness, and trust.

Jesus describes servants entrusted with meaningful responsibility. Each has “his own work,” and the doorkeeper has the specific task of watching. In the same way, God entrusts each of us with work suited to our lives—work that reflects His heart. We watch not by anxious scanning but by faithful living, attentive prayer, and a willingness to respond when God opens opportunities before us. The return of Christ is not meant to interrupt life—it is meant to fulfill it. Watching means living each day in a way that aligns with God’s purposes, valuing what He values and loving as He loves.

As you reflect on Jesus’ teaching, consider these questions: What does it mean for you to “keep watch” in this season? Are there places in your life where you feel spiritually inattentive or distracted? How might your daily routines become invitations to pay closer attention to God’s presence? And what is the “work” God has entrusted to you right now—whether small or significant, seen or unseen? Sometimes watching begins simply by slowing down enough to notice God’s quiet movements in your day.

For today’s practice, choose a moment to pause intentionally—a doorway, a hallway, a car seat, a kitchen counter—and use that moment as a brief reminder to “keep watch.” As you pass through that place today, pause for ten seconds and pray, “Lord, make me attentive to You.” Let this small act create space in your heart for God to speak, guide, or reveal His presence in unexpected ways.


Heavenly Father, 

Help me stay awake to Your presence and alert to Your purposes. Teach me to live with expectation, to watch for Your movement, and to fulfill the work You have given me with faithfulness and joy. Keep my heart ready for the return of Jesus, my Lord.

It is in Jesus’ name that I pray. Amen.

-

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