First Sunday in Advent: Epistle, Romans 13:11-14                     

Romans 13:11-14

Our Old Testament reading for the week focused our attention on the wonderful days ahead, going to the house of the Lord, the hill-dwelling of the Great King. But what shall we wear? Our epistle reading comes from a chapter filled both with command and counsel. It’s the last bit of it to which I would like to draw our attention. Although not directly related to our Old Testament reading, there is a connection that a new abode, living in the home of our Father-King requires “new duds.” It’s not surprising that along with everything else needful, the King also clothes His children in royal garb. And the clothing IS His Son.

St. Paul writes to the Roman believers, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14). You see, we’ve not just been moved to a better neighborhood in Christ. We’ve been brought to a home that is beyond all homes, a dwelling that is safe, secure and set apart by the grandest design. And now our garments must fit the surroundings. God’s Word spells out that the fabric of our adornment is Christ Himself. Clothed in the One that is new, there will be no memory of the faded and foul garments of days past. He has dressed us in glorious fashion. In robes of salvation. Time to get dressed.