Tis The Season

"Merry Christmas!" says one. "Happy Holidays!" says another. "'Tis the Season" is proclaimed and posted everywhere this time of year, but what do we mean when we refer to this "season"?

In general, a season can be a particular time of year, such as Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. It can also refer to a time characterized by a specific circumstance, like in a "season of awakening." Some may use this word to describe a suitable or natural time, like when their "season" comes. Or it could mean an indefinite period of time; for example, a person on assignment for a "season." However, you want to look at it; we all need to be reminded of Paul's words to Timothy:

"Be ready in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)

Before the great flood, in the days of Noah, everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time. Up to the day Noah and his family boarded the ark, the people knew nothing (and cared little) about the things which were to take place. Although Noah preached righteousness to a mocking generation, none were saved except eight souls. The flood hit and swept everything away (Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 2:5).

The arrival of Jesus will be like that:

"Two men will be working in the field - one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill - one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up." (Matthew 24:39-44, Message)

Therefore, be ready in your season - whatever it may be. You may be in a season you are ready to see end. Or perhaps you are in the best season of your life, hoping it will never end. In contrast, others may be altogether oblivious to the season around them. In any case, seasons come and seasons go, but our instruction remains the same: Be ready in season and out.

Serious athletes prepare year-round for their season. If they were to wait and begin training at the start, not only would much time be lost, but they would be at significant risk of being cut or suffer the consequences of loss. Are we much different in this game of life? We are told to "be ready for every good work" (Titus 3:1), "be ready to give a defense for the hope within you" (1 Peter 3:15), and if need be, "be ready to suffer for the sake of the Gospel" (2 Timothy 1:8).

The point is, there will be no excuse for our conduct or readiness despite our season. Every one of our actions is a seed. And every seed will produce in its season. We should learn from those who have preceded us.

“Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.”

-George Washington