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Mark 13:32-37New International Version (NIV)

The Day and Hour Unknown

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

A thousand years ago the church established the Advent season:  four weeks before Christmas as a special thoughtful, meditative time to help believers look toward Christ's coming into our homes and hearts.  After all, Christmas is more than cookies and candy and opening prettily wrapped gifts.

Taken from St. Mark Presbyterian's 1985 booklet "Thoughts on Advent"