The answer is: At any time

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The return of Christ is described as a "thief in the night," signifying its unexpected nature. Believers are called to live in continual vigilance and readiness, echoing Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 24:42 about being alert for the Master’s return. This reinforces the importance of living a life reflective of faith daily.

The imagery of a "thief in the night" is quite striking, isn’t it? It taps into a common understanding that important events can come upon us without warning. Pondering on this metaphor inspires us to consider our daily actions. The call to be prepared serves as a prompt to live deeply in the present, aligning our values with unity, compassion, and service to one another.

Interestingly, the idea of unexpected divine visits isn’t only present in the New Testament. In ancient Hebrew traditions, you see vivid reflections of similar themes. For example, in the book of Amos 3:7, it hints at the probability of prophetic revelations that can come when least expected. The reflection of God's approach towards humanity isn’t one of fear, but one of surprise engagement, deeply inviting believers to remain alert and mindful.

From a practical standpoint, this vigilant readiness isn’t about assigning time frames or predicting dates—After all, no one has the know-how to unlock those secrets! It’s more about fostering a lifestyle where love, faithfulness, and understanding occupy center stage every moment we have—continuously preparing ourselves by practicing healthy relationships with both our community and our inner selves.

When we loose ourselves a bit from ostentatious proclamations, this unexpected return can transform into an opportunity for enriching encounters awake every single day; it urges us toward a kind-of lifestyle informed by grace, alertness, and a caring response to evolving circumstances in love and empathy.