Bethlehem marked the dawn of a journey that reshaped eternity. In a manger, the eternal Word entered time. The Creator stepped into His creation, wrapped in frailty, and robed in humility. Angels sang peace over a darkened world. Shepherds stood in awe at heaven’s unfolding plan. Bethlehem was no conclusion; it was the beginning of redemption’s mission—a cradle leading unerringly to a cross.

From Manger to Calvary, Christ fulfilled God’s promises of rescue and restoration. Yet the story pressed forward. The resurrection shattered death’s grip, proclaiming His victory. The ascension lifted Him to glory, pointing toward a triumphant return. Bethlehem stands as a beacon of God’s faithfulness; and His first coming guarantees the certainty of His second.

Today, we dwell between manger and trumpet. Bethlehem beckons us to rejoice in His birth, but eternity calls us to readiness. The world missed Him once, unprepared for His arrival in weakness. We cannot miss Him again. The Lamb who knelt in humility will return as the Lion who reigns in majesty.

From Bethlehem to eternity, His story summons us. It commands vigilance. It stirs hope. It inspires readiness. As we celebrate the manger, we lift our eyes to the heavens. His journey calls us to live alert, awaiting the King’s return.

Caught Off Guard

Life often strikes with sudden blows as a knock shakes the door. A deadline looms unspoken. Forgotten plans scatter our minds, and we scramble, clutching at moments already gone. But ponder a greater reality. The King of Kings will descend. His arrival will shake creation. His voice will thunder. His presence will fill the skies. Can you stand prepared?

I recall missing a flight to a city east of Nigeria years ago for a preaching engagement. A slight delay deceived me, and I let my focus wander to another demand. I missed the notice of early boarding. When I reached the boarding gate, it was sealed. My pleas to be allowed through fell on deaf ears. My path became tangled with hours of delay and struggle. The disruption cost me precious time, rerouted my flight, and demanded energy I had not planned to give.

That day, I learned a sharp truth. Missing a flight frustrates plans, but missing Christ’s return will seal destinies. One can be repaired, but the other will hold eternal weight. Are you ready for the trumpet’s call, or will distractions rob you of that sacred moment? The stakes are higher than we imagine. Prepare yourself. Watch the horizon. Choose vigilance over ease. Eternity stands before you.

Breaking Down the Call to Readiness

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

Jesus spoke with authority in Matthew 24:42–44. His words cut through indifference. Stay awake. This is no mere suggestion; it’s a command to cultivate spiritual readiness. He called for a heart anchored in faith and obedience. He demanded a life aligned with divine purpose. Friends, complacency must die, for readiness requires focus. Readiness is intentional and never passive. It demands persistence, not just occasional spurts of effort. Each day becomes sacred, a gift to steward well. We are called to live as if eternity rests on our every action choice.

Do your actions mirror God’s eternal priorities? Does your heart burn with readiness to meet the Lord, who is coming for those who love His apoearing? Or have distractions dulled your vision? Imagine a watchman standing on the city wall. His gaze sweeps across the horizon, searching for any signs of movement. He understands what’s at stake. His focus intensifies. His vigilance offers protection. Like him, you must stay alert. Guard your faith with unyielding diligence. Stay awake. The King is coming. The moment will be sudden. Eternity is pressing near.

“If the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.”

Jesus vividly illustrated this truth: A thief comes unannounced, disrupting peace and shattering security. If the homeowner had known the hour, he would have prepared and stood watch, safeguarding what mattered most. This image warns with urgency. Christ’s return will be sudden, like the thief’s. The unknown timing demands readiness. Faith must not slumber, and your spiritual house must stay guarded. Faith outweighs earthly treasures, so protect it. Shield it from the world’s noise.

Distractions creep like shadows. They rob focus and dull resolve. Do not let your guard slip. Guard your faith as if it were a priceless inheritance. Stay focused, refusing to let life’s clamour drown out eternity’s call. Picture a homeowner fortifying their house after hearing of nearby burglaries. Locks are added. Cameras installed. Every step reflects vigilance. This parallels your spiritual readiness. Faith, like a house, must be protected. Christ will come as promised. Will you stand prepared when He arrives?

“Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Jesus went ageaf to make His words personal. You also must be ready. His call strikes with urgency. Readiness cannot wait. It isn’t a future goal but a present necessity. Each moment demands discipline. Each decision matters. Align your life with heaven’s purposes. Let nothing steal your focus. Distractions creep like shadows, whispering of ease. Refuse their pull. Guard your heart. Live with intentionality. Every step brings eternity closer. Ask yourself: If Christ returned today, would my life reflect readiness? Would my actions testify to a heart prepared? These questions press us to consider eternity in the light of now.

Imagine a student preparing for an exam. Each day, they study diligently. Their steps are steady, and their focus remains clear. When the exam arrives, they stand ready—not frantic or unprepared. In contrast, consider the procrastinator. They scramble, rush, and panic. Their delay breeds chaos. Readiness, like preparation, builds over time and grows through daily effort, small decisions, and unwavering focus.

Christ’s return will not wait for those who are unprepared. Will you be the student who stands confidently or the one who scrambles in desperation? Jesus’ words demand urgency. He does not call for someday; He calls for now. Readiness cannot be rushed; it must be cultivated, step by step, moment by moment. Let your life declare: I am ready.

The key point here is that Jesus’ return will strike like lightning, sudden and piercing. His words demand unwavering vigilance. Faithfulness isn’t fleeting or seasonal; it requires daily resolve. Align your steps with His kingdom’s call. Friends, examine your heart and weigh your priorities. Anchor your life in eternity’s unshakable call. Discard distractions. Embrace vigilance. Stand ready. The King’s arrival draws nearer with every passing breath.

To wrap this up. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:42–44 aren’t suggestions. They are urgent commands. He calls us to live prepared, not distracted. His return is certain. His timing is hidden. The question isn’t whether He will return but whether we’ll be ready when He does. Align your heart, guard your faith, and reflect His priorities in your daily choices. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Eternity waits. Will you stand ready?