December 6 — 1 Thessalonians 5:4–8

But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8


Paul’s words remind us that the coming of Christ—both His first coming in Bethlehem and His future return—changes our very identity. We are no longer “of the night” but are now “sons of the light and sons of the day.” Advent is the season in which we remember who we are because of Jesus. We do not wait in fear or confusion. We wait as people who belong to the light, people who recognize God’s redeeming work and live with hope that shines into every circumstance. Darkness may press in around us, but it does not define us. The light of Christ does.

Paul encourages believers to live awake, alert, and sober—not in the sense of being tense or anxious, but in the sense of living with clarity, purpose, and spiritual steadiness. The world drifts into distraction, but followers of Jesus are called to engage life with focused hearts. The imagery of armor is deeply Advent-like: we prepare not by retreating but by clothing ourselves with faith, love, and hope. These are not abstract virtues; they are the protective gear of the believer—faith guarding the heart, hope guarding the mind, and love shaping every action.

As you sit with this passage, consider these questions: Where do you feel tempted to live as though you belong to the “night”—in fear, worry, avoidance, or spiritual laziness? What helps you stay spiritually awake and attentive? How can the triad Paul names—faith, love, and hope—shape your responses to daily challenges? Reflect also on what it means to belong to the day because of Jesus. How might that transform the way you approach this Advent season, your relationships, and your outlook on the future?

For today’s practice, take a moment to place your hand on your heart and pray quietly, “Clothe me in Your light.” As you move through your day, choose one act that expresses each piece of God’s armor: an act of faith (trusting God with something specific), an act of love (showing kindness without being asked), and an act of hope (speaking encouragement or choosing gratitude). Let these acts remind you that you carry the light of Christ wherever you go.


Lord God, 

Thank You for calling me out of darkness and making me a child of the day through Jesus Christ. Help me stay awake to Your presence and steady in Your purposes. Cover my heart with faith, my thoughts with hope, and my actions with love, so that I may walk as one who reflects Your light. 

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

-

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