Romans 13:11–14
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:12
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The season of Advent is the time in the church’s liturgical calendar that reminds us that Christ has come, Christ is coming, and Christ will come again. During this season, we not only look back to the Child in the manger, but we also realign our hearts to the King who has promised to return and renew all things. It is in this atmosphere of hope that Paul issues a call to us: “the hour has come for you to wake from sleep” (v. 11a).
Paul understood that the age he lived in was entering a critical moment. He saw the shadows of dark powers approaching, yet he was not discouraged. Instead, he was strengthened by the promise that the fullness of salvation was drawing nearer (cf. Luke 21:28). In his view, history in God’s hands is not chaotic but moving toward its final redemption. Therefore, he reminds the believers: “For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. ” (v. 11b).
The “salvation” here refers to the final, complete salvation—including the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23), the glorious appearing of the Lord, and the full arrival of God’s Kingdom. Advent reminds us that we are living at the moment when night is nearly over, and the dawn is about to break. The night may feel deep, but the light is near. That is why Paul says, “Wake from sleep.” Do not stay spiritually drowsy. Advent is not merely a tradition we observe in the church liturgical calendar; it is a trumpet call to spiritual awakening.
The nearness of salvation calls us to live as people of the day. Paul strongly contrasts the deeds of darkness with the armour of light, saying: “let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”(v.12b). Light is not an abstract concept—it is a way of life: honesty, self-control, holiness, and love.
Advent reminds us: Christ’s first coming lit a light in the darkness; Christ’s second coming will drive darkness away completely; and now we live at the boundary between darkness and light. Therefore, our lives should reflect the dawning day that is soon to come. We do not wait passively, but live as children of light, bearing witness to the coming Kingdom.
The climax of the passage is Paul’s call: “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14a). In ancient times, “to put on” could mean to assume someone’s character or role. Paul uses this expression to urge believers to live out Christ’s life—to let the Holy Spirit shape us inwardly and reflect Christ outwardly. We take off the garments of the night—indulgence, lust, drunkenness, strife; and we put on the armour of the day—the character, gentleness, and holiness of Christ. When the Lord comes again, may He find us clothed in His beauty rather than wrapped in the garments of the flesh.
Reflection:
1. During this Advent season, what “deeds of darkness” in my life need to be put off so that I may be more awake and walk in the light?
2. What does it mean for me today to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? If I were to live like Christ, what concrete changes would that bring to my attitude and behaviour?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for lighting the hope of salvation in the darkness. Awaken me this Advent from spiritual slumber. Help me put off what displeases You, and clothe myself with the armour of light, with Your character, Your holiness, and Your love. Prepare my heart to wait for Your glorious return. Guide me today to walk in the light and to bear witness to Your coming. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
Click to Read
The season of Advent is the time in the church’s liturgical calendar that reminds us that Christ has come, Christ is coming, and Christ will come again. During this season, we not only look back to the Child in the manger, but we also realign our hearts to the King who has promised to return and renew all things. It is in this atmosphere of hope that Paul issues a call to us: “the hour has come for you to wake from sleep” (v. 11a).
Paul understood that the age he lived in was entering a critical moment. He saw the shadows of dark powers approaching, yet he was not discouraged. Instead, he was strengthened by the promise that the fullness of salvation was drawing nearer (cf. Luke 21:28). In his view, history in God’s hands is not chaotic but moving toward its final redemption. Therefore, he reminds the believers: “For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. ” (v. 11b).
The “salvation” here refers to the final, complete salvation—including the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23), the glorious appearing of the Lord, and the full arrival of God’s Kingdom. Advent reminds us that we are living at the moment when night is nearly over, and the dawn is about to break. The night may feel deep, but the light is near. That is why Paul says, “Wake from sleep.” Do not stay spiritually drowsy. Advent is not merely a tradition we observe in the church liturgical calendar; it is a trumpet call to spiritual awakening.
The nearness of salvation calls us to live as people of the day. Paul strongly contrasts the deeds of darkness with the armour of light, saying: “let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”(v.12b). Light is not an abstract concept—it is a way of life: honesty, self-control, holiness, and love.
Advent reminds us: Christ’s first coming lit a light in the darkness; Christ’s second coming will drive darkness away completely; and now we live at the boundary between darkness and light. Therefore, our lives should reflect the dawning day that is soon to come. We do not wait passively, but live as children of light, bearing witness to the coming Kingdom.
The climax of the passage is Paul’s call: “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14a). In ancient times, “to put on” could mean to assume someone’s character or role. Paul uses this expression to urge believers to live out Christ’s life—to let the Holy Spirit shape us inwardly and reflect Christ outwardly. We take off the garments of the night—indulgence, lust, drunkenness, strife; and we put on the armour of the day—the character, gentleness, and holiness of Christ. When the Lord comes again, may He find us clothed in His beauty rather than wrapped in the garments of the flesh.
Reflection:
1. During this Advent season, what “deeds of darkness” in my life need to be put off so that I may be more awake and walk in the light?
2. What does it mean for me today to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? If I were to live like Christ, what concrete changes would that bring to my attitude and behaviour?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for lighting the hope of salvation in the darkness. Awaken me this Advent from spiritual slumber. Help me put off what displeases You, and clothe myself with the armour of light, with Your character, Your holiness, and Your love. Prepare my heart to wait for Your glorious return. Guide me today to walk in the light and to bear witness to Your coming. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.