In both places I carried a beeper. Now at Vashti, I have a beeper and a cell phone. I know what it means to be ready at a moment's notice. Advent reminds us that Jesus Christ may come back before this service ends, and he might wait another thousand years. But you and I are called to be ready at a moment's notice.
Advent is a time to live on tiptoe.
We ought to ask ourselves how we might celebrate Christmas if we knew Jesus was coming back on December 25th. Then we ought to celebrate Christmas in that way. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap. I'd be glad to help you in any way I can.