A Reflection by Roy Pearson

Advent invites us into a sacred pause—an opportunity to step back from the rush of the world and step into the gentle rhythm of God’s kingdom. It is a season rooted in longing, illuminated by hope, and anchored in the promise that Christ not only came once in Bethlehem, and will come again in glory, but also desires to come here and now—into our hearts, our lives, and our daily choices.

The Three Comings of Christ

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” Traditionally, the Church remembers three movements of Christ’s coming during this season:

1. Christ Coming in History

We celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem: God entering our world as a baby, choosing humility, vulnerability, and love. Jesus did not come to impress the powerful; He came to lift up the lowly, heal the broken, and proclaim the kingdom of God in a new way. His birth is the beginning of God’s reign breaking into the world.

2. Christ Coming in Our Hearts (the heart of Advent)

This is the coming that shapes our daily lives. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Advent reminds us that God’s reign is not just a distant hope but a present reality—alive in every heart that welcomes Christ.

This coming challenges us to live as people transformed by grace:

• To be the salt of the earth—bringing flavor, preservation, and goodness to the world.
• To be the light of the world—shining with compassion, truth, and justice.
• To take up our cross daily—choosing the way of love, forgiveness, and humility.
• To bear the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When Christ rules in our hearts, His kingdom becomes visible through our lives. Advent becomes not only a season of waiting, but a season of becoming—becoming the people God created us to be.

3. Christ Coming in Glory

We also look forward to the promised return of Christ, when all will be made new and God’s kingdom will be fully realized. This hope anchors us when the world feels heavy. But Advent reminds us that the best way to prepare for Christ’s future coming is to let Him rule our hearts today.

Advent and the Kingdom Now

For many, Advent is associated with waiting for what God will do. But you remind us of an essential truth: Advent is also a time to celebrate what God is doing right now.

• When we forgive someone, the kingdom is here.
• When we carry someone’s burden, the kingdom is here.
• When we feed the hungry, encourage the lonely, speak truth in love, or live with quiet courage, the kingdom is here.
• When the fruits of the Spirit grow within us, the kingdom is alive in us.

Christ came once in the flesh so He could come now in our hearts.

Becoming Light in the Darkness

Each Advent candle we light is not just a symbol of Christ’s light—it is a call to shine that same light in a darkened world. In a season filled with noise, we are invited to listen for Christ’s voice. In a world full of hurry, we are invited to slow down and notice His presence. In a world divided, we are invited to embody His peace.

A Prayer for this Advent

Lord Jesus,
as You once came to us in Bethlehem,
come now and reign in our hearts.
Let Your kingdom take root in our thoughts,
our words, and our daily actions.
Make us salt in a broken world
and light in a darkened one.
As we await Your coming in glory,
may Your Spirit produce in us
the fruits that reflect Your heart.
Come, Lord Jesus—
come and make all things new,
starting with us.
Amen.

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