The stories that comprise the Lord's advent include a number of references to wakefulness. An angel appeared to Mary when she was stepping into motherhood, and the conversation she had with Gabriel could only have taken place while she was alert. She expressed her confusion, and was reassured. The shepherds, too were visited while they were awake. Angels appeared in the sky above their heads, exuberant with news that Christ was born. Their first response was fear, and then action. Zacharias was also surprised by the presence of an angel in the temple. He was taken aback by the news that his wife would deliver a child. He expressed his doubts, and was rewarded with temporary muteness. 

Joseph, on the other hand, was visited by angels when he was asleep. Thrice he was given guidance as to how to protect his family, and each time he obeyed. The wise men too were instructed while they were asleep. 

The division between wakefulness and slumber falls between two gospels. Luke carries those instances of eyes being open. Matthew tells us of those people whose eyes were closed. 

My own experience with Divine direction is that sometimes it seeps in under wraps, as an inner perception. I cannot explain it, much less argue. The substance is often one of comfort, that a seemingly knotty issue will be resolved. I am given an invitation to replace fear with trust. I am not offered details. 

Other times the directions arrive in conversation with God. He is patient with my unbelief, and gives me time to be brave. 

"Man is especially guarded by the Lord when he is asleep, for love does not sleep." Secrets of Heaven 1983, Emanuel Swedenborg

Love,