“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  2 Corinthians 6:2

…by Anne Cook, 
Guest Contributor

My Jesus is a door, a gate for sheep
With trumpet blast that leads to pastures green
His call, to climb up, though the way is steep
To leave behind my life as it has been

The narrow way is open but can’t wait
God’s invitation will not always last
I might hope for some more convenient date
And find it shut and that my time has passed

But lost and lonely, I look for a home
For freedom, love, and a soft place to sleep
Once found by Him, I never need to roam
From verdant fields and shelter that will keep

His grace is ever searching for my soul
As I walk in, His promise makes me whole

Anne Cook

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from…’” Luke 13:24-25

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’” John 10:7-10

“For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Hebrews 12:17

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’” Revelation 4:1

Scriptures: NKJV

Also by Anne: (written during/about Advent…)

In John 10:9, Jesus reminds us that He came to earth as the door, the entrance to peace with God. Advent in the early church, where the Nativity was a recent event, focused on the Second Coming of Christ. In later years, both the Second Coming and the Nativity were celebrated in Advent; but in current times, Advent is more a remembrance and celebration of the Nativity. The Church fathers, however, remind us not to forget the Second Coming during Advent…and, of course, beyond.