Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Return
As we enter the season of Advent, we join Christians around the world—across languages, cultures, and traditions—in a time of reflection and anticipation. Advent reminds us that the story of Jesus is not only about a humble birth in Bethlehem long ago. It is also about a future promise: Jesus is coming again.
In a world marked by change, uncertainty, and suffering, Advent invites us to lift our eyes beyond the present moment. It reminds us that history is moving toward a glorious hope—one that belongs to every believer, everywhere.
Advent points us forward. While we celebrate Christ’s first coming, Advent is also profoundly connected to His second coming. The early church understood this well. They lived with hopeful anticipation that shaped their daily choices and community life. Their confidence was based on Jesus’ promise: “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”— John 14:1–3 These words offered comfort to believers facing persecution, hardship, and uncertainty. They still speak powerfully to us today.
Scripture describes Christ’s return with clarity and hope:
“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them… And so, we will be with the Lord forever.”— 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
This is not a myth or a metaphor. It is our future. A future where Christ returns in power. A future where justice is restored. A future where every tribe and tongue will stand before Him in worship. Advent reminds us to remember this extraordinary promise.
Advent is a season to reflect on readiness. In the glow of Christmas lights and the busyness of the season, it can be easy to treat Advent only as preparation for a holiday. But spiritually, Advent calls us to a far deeper preparation. It invites us to ask a question that every generation of believers must face:
Will you be ready when Jesus comes again?
Readiness is not about fear—it is about relationship. It is about walking with Christ daily, aligning our lives with His teaching, and allowing His Spirit to shape our character, our priorities, and our love for others. Advent reminds us that the Christian life is not passive waiting—it is active hope. And hope does not disappoint; hope is confident expectation.
Advent calls us to live in hope, not in hurry. Our world hurries through December, but Advent urges us to slow down, listen, and focus our hearts. It teaches us to live with expectation:
- Expecting Christ to move in our lives today.
- Expecting His presence in our challenges and uncertainties.
- Expecting His ultimate return to make all things new.
This hope is not tied to one culture or language—it unites the global Church. Whether gathering in a bustling city, a quiet village, or a living room halfway around the world, Christians everywhere proclaim the same conviction: Christ has come. Christ will come again.
As we embrace Advent this year, may this season renew our faith, refocus our thoughts from fear and anxiety to anticipation, guide our steps, and reshape our decisions—preparing us to answer the question: Are we ready for His return?
A Prayer for the Season
Lord Jesus, as we remember Your first coming and look forward to Your return, prepare our hearts. Teach us to live with hope, with courage, and with love. Make us ready for the day we will see You face to face. Amen.