# Preparing for His coming: Living as Advent people
*2020-10-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the spiritual significance of Advent, exploring how to prepare our hearts for both the hidden coming of Christ and His final victory in history.

## What it means to be an Advent person

In the introduction to 'Preparing for His Coming,' editor Steve Miller reminds us that God's word is our guide during Advent. We wait because we never know when the 'hidden Jesus' will show Himself in us and in those around us. We hope because when Jesus enters our lives, everything is changed, and we rejoice because He is always eager to be with us.

To be an 'Advent person' means more than just observing a season of the liturgical calendar. It means recognizing that the entire world is moving toward a second coming—toward God's definite victory in history, judgment, and eternal salvation. Every Christian should be an Advent person throughout their entire life, cooperating with the movement of history toward God's arrival in freedom, faith, hope, and love.

## The two comings of Christ

Drawing from the writings of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, we reflect on the two aspects of Christ's coming. The first was His hidden coming: born of a virgin at the fullness of time, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger, and enduring the shame of the cross. The second coming will be glorious: He will be clothed in light as a garment, escorted by an army of angels.

As we remember His birth in Bethlehem and anticipate His future glory, we must also celebrate His coming to us now in the world and in the Sacraments. The central question for us this season is: 'What do I want to do this Advent in preparing for God's coming to change myself and the world?'

## A grace-filled time of growth

Advent is a time of growing inner stillness. Just as a mother feels a child grow within her and is not surprised on the day of birth, we can allow Jesus to be born in our lives slowly and steadily. By becoming attentive to the silence of our hearts, we realize that the One for whom we are waiting has already arrived.

We can support this spiritual growth through traditional devotions, such as lighting the Advent wreath—with its three purple candles and one rose-colored candle—using Advent calendars, and engaging in daily prayers. These practices help us remain focused on the spiritual reality of the season.

## Keeping the season's purpose

It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the year—buying gifts, putting up decorations, and trimming the tree. While those things are wonderful, we must remember the primary reason for the season: preparing for our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When we think back to the Nativity, we see the beauty of the simplicity—the Lord of the universe coming to earth as a helpless baby. Let us keep the sick and the suffering in our prayers, remembering that our ultimate goal is the ladder to heaven, and that our Lord hears every prayer and knows what is in our hearts.

*Beyond the decorations and gifts, the true purpose of Advent is to prepare our hearts for the slow and steady growth of God's life within us.*