In this season of Advent we are reminded of what it means to wait for something special.  We generally reflect upon the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how the ancient Jewish people waited for their messiah.

We also consider the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our own waiting for this blessed event to take place at some point in the future.

In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus talks to his disciples about the second coming of the Son of Man.  We do not know when he will return, but it will be a time when we do not expect him.

This is why Jesus commanded his disciples to be ready.

In verse 33, Christ declares, “Be on guard, keep awake.”  And in verse 35, “Therefore, stay awake.”  And finally our text closes with, “And what I say to you I say to all:  Stay awake.”  Jesus message to his four disciples that day was to be alert and watch for his coming.  His message is the same for us today.

The last word in our text is the Greek word gragoreo.  This word when translated may mean to be watchful, be on the alert, be wide awake, or to be alive.

The early Christians reminded themselves of this message of Christ to be alert for his coming by naming their sons after this word gragoreo.  This word is where we get our name Gregory.

You see we are all to be Gregory(s).  We are all to be alert, wide awake, and watchful for Christ coming.  We, in a sense, are called to be Gregory.

In this season of Advent be sure that while we wait that you are alert and looking.

Take sometime this week to look up at the clouds and imagine the return of Christ.

Ask him what work he might be calling you to do.

Waiting is not mindless stillness, but expectant diligent work, which is expressed in our text.

As we wait, be alert and watchful.

Be Gregory.