Friday, December 05, 2008

"It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep."


The dominion of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him." Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise replied, "Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves." And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, "Sir, sir, open to us," but he replied, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-11)


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!

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