Advent 2020: December 5

When the time comes, Heaven's imperial rule will be like ten maidens who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish and five were sensible.  You see, the foolish maidens took their lamps but failed to take oil with them, while the sensible took extra oil along with their lamps.  When the bridegroom didn't come, they all dozed off and fell asleep.

Then in the middle of the night there was a shout:  "Look, the bridegroom is coming! Let's go out and meet him." Then the maidens all got up and trimmed their lamps.


The foolish said to the sensible ones, "Let us have some of your oil because our lamps are going out."

But the prudent maidens response, "We can't do that in case there isn't enough for both of us.  Instead, you had better go to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.

While they were gone to get some, the bridegroom arrived and those who had come prepared accompanied him to the wedding; then the door was closed.

The other maidens finally come and say, "Master, master, open the door for us."

He responded, "I swear to you, I don't recognize you."

So stay alert because you don't know either the day or the hour.

(Matthew 25:1-13, SV)

But how is the kingdom of heaven like that?

Hear, you maidens, what I shall tell you,
and do at once what I shall command you!
Wait for the bridgegroom, Jesus the Savior by name!

Do not fall asleep!
The bridegroom whom you await is here!

He came to earth for your sins,
was born of the virgin in Bethelehem,
was washed and baptized in the Jordan River.

Do not fall asleep!

He was beaten, mocked, abused,
lifted up on the cross and crucified;
he was placed in the tomb.

Do not fall asleep!

And he rose--the scripture tells it!
I am Gabriel, he sent me here,
Wait for him; he shall come soon.

Do not fall asleep!