And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
—Romans 13:11-14

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Awake, O Sleeper
By Jennifer Kane

Have I been asleep, adrift in having my way,
Neglecting the dawn of God’s perfect day?
Where the shadows linger, where this faith grows thin,
What darkness inside must be cast off to begin?

What needed armor of light must I daily don,
To shine through the night till the shadows are gone?
How can Christ’s brilliance, steady and bright,
Be seen in my choices, my love, and my light?

Are there places within I’ve yet to release,
To His fire that purifies, bringing His peace?
What does it mean, in this fleeting span,
To put on Christ fully, as part of His plan?

O Lord, let me partner, heart, soul, and mind,
To conquer sin’s grip and leave it behind.
Awake me, refine me, and make my life whole—
A vessel of light, for Your glory, my goal.

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Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

Romans 13:11-14 calls us to recognize the urgency of the present moment: “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). Life in Christ is not meant to be passive. To be spiritually awake means to recognize that Christ’s return is imminent and to live intentionally in His service.

Paul’s exhortation reminds us of Jesus’ warning: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). Just as we prepare for a new day by rising from sleep, we must prepare our hearts by awakening to God’s purpose.

Paul uses the imagery of clothing to describe the Christian life: “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). Casting off darkness involves repentance—letting go of sin, selfish desires, and anything that separates us from God.

This transformation is echoed in Colossians 3:9-10: “You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” We are not only called to remove sin but to be clothed in Christ’s character—compassion, kindness, humility, and love (Colossians 3:12-14).

Start each day by consciously inviting God to clothe you in His righteousness, asking Him to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.

As children of light, our lives should reflect the hope, integrity, and love of Christ: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Paul challenges us to walk in purity, avoiding the temptations that belong to the night.

Consider this: What habits or attitudes do you need to surrender to God? Where can you actively replace sinful patterns with Christ-like love? Begin by asking God to reveal one practical step you can take today.

To “put on Christ” (Romans 13:14) is not simply to imitate Him but to allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. As we abide in Him, He strengthens us to resist temptation, walk in love, and shine His light in the world.

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Lord, thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. You are the source of all truth and goodness, and I long to walk in Your ways. Please awaken my heart to Your will and stir me from any spiritual slumber. Help me to see the urgency of the time, to live each moment for Your glory, and to align my priorities with Your eternal purpose.

Teach me to cast off sin, to let go of pride, jealousy, and selfish desires. Clothe me in the armor of light and in the righteousness of Christ. Let Your presence shape my actions, guide my thoughts, and fill my words with grace.

Lord, refine me with Your purifying fire. Reveal the areas of my life that need surrender, and give me the courage to let go of anything that hinders my walk with You. Equip me to resist temptation, to stand firm in faith, and to love as You have loved me.

May I shine as a light in this dark world, reflecting Your truth, integrity, and compassion. Help me to walk in purity, humility, and hope, so that my life points others to You. Strengthen me daily to choose Your path, to trust in Your promises, and to rest in Your grace.

Father, prepare my heart for the day when I will stand before You. Until then, make me faithful, alert, and ready for Your return. Let everything I do be for Your glory and the building of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

December 27 2024