Jesus Comes Where He’s Wanted: An Advent Perspective
Adoration of the Child by Gerard Honthorst
Advent is one of my favourite seasons. It’s a time of preparation, anticipation, and waiting—looking to the arrival of Jesus, not just in the manger at Bethlehem, or at His second coming but also into our hearts and lives today.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Advent coincides with the busiest and most tiring time of the year. Between end-of-year school activities, wrapping up work projects, and preparing for the upcoming national summer shutdown, I often find myself distracted and stretched thin. Yet I long to lean into what Advent has to offer, seeking to make room for Jesus in the middle of the hustle. There’s an invitation in this season to pause and consider: Am I willing to say "yes" to welcoming Jesus into the busyness of my day-to-day life, even when it feels like I don’t have the space? Will I, like Mary, make room for Him? Am I ready to receive Jesus, even if His arrival disrupts my life?
When Mary said "yes" to the angel’s announcement that she would bear the Son of God, her response wasn’t just one of obedience; it was a radical act of surrender. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). This was not a simple "yes." It was a willingness to let go of her own plans, to embrace the unknown, and to trust God with the disruption His arrival would bring. Mary made room in her body for Jesus and like her, we are invited to make room for Jesus even when our “Yes” is costly or inconvenient.
Remember that first Christmas when many in Bethlehem missed Jesus’ arrival. The innkeeper turned Mary and Joseph away, and others, too preoccupied with their own lives, failed to see the miracle unfolding before them. Some, who were looking for the Messiah to come in a particular way, missed Him because Jesus didn’t fit their expectations. This is a sobering reminder that we too can miss what God is doing in and around us if our hearts are closed or distracted. He doesn’t force His way into our lives; He comes where there is an open heart, eager to receive Him.
I was reminded of this on a recent trip to Scotland, where I learned about the Hebridean Revival of the 1940s. In several small towns, entire communities were experiencing life-changing encounters with Jesus—people were being transformed by His kindness, love, and call to repentance. However, some individuals, churches, and towns resisted what God was doing and closed their hearts and their doors - figuratively and literally. It was too messy - too disruptive - too much. As a result, they missed out on this historical move of God. God doesn’t force Himself on us.
In the rush of this holiday season—shopping, parties, family gatherings—it’s easy to forget Jesus. He doesn’t demand grand gestures from us; He simply asks that we create space for Him. This might mean intentionally slowing down to listen to His voice amidst the noise through prayer, scripture, or reflection. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In this busy season, we may find Jesus not in the whirlwind of activity but in the stillness of our hearts as we wait for the kettle to boil or walk on the beach.
This Advent, let’s consider, “If Jesus comes where He’s wanted, do we want Him?” As we wait for Him, may we, like Mary, say "yes" to His arrival—today and every day. Let’s make space for Him in our busy lives and allow our hearts to be filled with the deep longing to welcome Him, not just during this season, but in every moment.
"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)