The Church teaches us that Advent is a time of watchfulness, hope and active waiting. Jesus speaks about being watchful and alert in the gospel of Mark, which is read on the first Sunday of Advent: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:33. Some children put forward their submissions on this subject. BETTY AMUKPO reports. Excerpts:
‘Jesus says, ‘Watch and pray that you may not fall into temptation’
It is important to be watchful because Jesus says, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Also, the Bible reminds us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8).
In connection to Advent:
It is important to be watchful, especially in Advent, as we prepare for Jesus’ coming. Jesus says, “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). Also, “Stay awake, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘It keeps us aware of God’s presence’
Being watchful is crucial as it helps us remain alert to spiritual dangers and opportunities. The Bible emphasises this in 1 Peter 5:8, which states, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Additionally, Matthew 26:41 reminds us to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Being watchful helps strengthen our faith and keeps us aware of God’s presence in our lives.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Being watchful means Jesus should find us in a state of grace when He returns’
At Advent, we get ready for the second coming of the One who loves us. We prepare by being watchful and staying awake like the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Being watchful means that Jesus should find us in a state of grace when he comes back. He should find us doing what he commanded us to be doing: Loving God and loving one another; living holy and righteous lives. It’s really important to be watchful, because Jesus instructed us to be watchful for no one knows the hour of His second coming (Matthew 25:13). During Advent, we stay awake in holiness and be watchful to God in prayer.
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘When we live watchfully and prayerfully, we will bear fruits’
Being watchful means to be ready, to be awake, aware and vigilant concerning the temptations and dangers in our lives and those that God has called us to care for. But also when we live ready, when we live watchfully and prayerfully, we will be able to bear fruit in the opportunities that come our way.
How to be watchful:
We need strength from the Lord to remain alert and to overcome trouble, or temptation when it comes. Prayer connects us to God, our source of power. To be watchful, we need to be familiar with two things: the Word of God and ourselves. The Bible is the standard by which we can measure our faith and obedience.
Bible references: – 1 Corithians 16:13 – Colossians 4:2 – 1 Peter 5:8 – Revelation 3: 1-3
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘Stay watchful and prayerful to avoid spiritual pitfalls’
Being watchful is crucial for our spiritual growth and protection. The Bible emphasises vigilance in: – 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” – Luke 12:37: “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.” Stay watchful and prayerful to avoid spiritual pitfalls!
• Agbo Josephine
‘Keep watch; you do not know the day or hour’
It is important for Christians to be ready and aware of dangers and temptations in their lives. It is only God who knows the future, He knows what we must face tomorrow, and even throughout this very day. In prayer, we should always ask the Holy Spirit what things lie ahead, or even in our nation’s future. We should be aware so that we can act accordingly. Psalm 127: “Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy.” To be watchful also means: To be in state of readiness. Jesus said, keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour (when the Lord will return).
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Being watchful helps us stay Spiritually alert’
Being watchful helps us stay spiritually alert and preparing for the Lord’s return. Being watchful helps us to resist temptation and avoid evil gathering. It also helps us to be aware of God’s presence and guidance in your lives. It helps you cultivate a deeper relationship with God. It helps us to prepare for challenges and difficulties that may arise and be sober-minded, be watchful for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8. Being watchful is essential for spiritual growth, protection and accountability. We can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, make informed decisions, and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
• Anita Chima
‘To be watchful means to be in a state of readiness’
To be watchful also means to be in a state of readiness. Jesus said, “keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour when the Lord will return.” (Matthew 25:13). The foolish virgins were not prepared and their oil ran out. Watching is serious and is necessary to our being ready for His immediate return in our lives.
• Ebenyi Daniella Ogechi
