32 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 33 “Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is. 34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Therefore, stay alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 so that he does not come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all: ‘Stay alert!’” Mark 13:32-37
This was the gospel reading on the first Sunday of Advent, and it struck me how appropriate it was for starting this season of joyful anticipation of the coming of Christ. In the parable, the master is not physically present with the servants but has given them each their individual tasks to do while he is gone. But to the doorkeeper, he gives a special assignment to stay alert. This was in addition to his regular duties. He was now to be on the lookout day and night for the master so he could open up to him. This assignment was not just for the doorkeeper’s welfare but all the servants. As the other servants went about their daily tasks or slept, the doorkeeper was to be vigilantly looking for the master on everyone’s behalf.
Jesus uses this parable to explain His instruction to the disciples to be alert and the doorkeeper represents all believers. The servants represent everyone. Every person has been given a place and task by the Father whether they know it or not, but believers have the unique privilege to be on the lookout for Him to enter at any and all times, not just at the end of the age or the end of our own personal days, but every day and in every situation. We have been given the ability to see Jesus coming into every situation and circumstance, and we are the ones who can open the door to Him, not only for ourselves but for others as well.
So, this advent season, as you joyfully anticipate our celebration of the birth of Christ, I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus and expect Him to come into not only your daily routine and challenges but also those of others around you. You have the unique privilege and ability to open any situation up to Jesus and invite Him in to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. When that friend is pouring out their heart to you in the midst of a trial, or someone at your Christmas celebration is impatient or demanding, look past the words and behaviors to see Jesus and how He wants to enter in. I guarantee it will make a difference for you and the people around you.