Make Room for Christ: Advent Week 3

By Pastor Marcus L. Heffinger

Advent is a season of anticipation, preparation, and reflection. It’s a time when we remember God’s faithfulness in sending Christ into the world and look forward to His promised return. It’s also a season for seeking—seeking hope, peace, love, and joy in the person of Jesus Christ.

This week in our Advent journey, we focus on making room for seekers. The Christmas story itself is filled with seekers: shepherds who hurried to find the baby in the manger, Magi who traveled great distances to worship Him, and even Anna and Simeon, who waited faithfully at the temple for the Messiah. These stories remind us that seeking Christ leads to joy, and that joy is something worth sharing.

The Joy of Seeking and Being Found

One of the scriptures we reflect on during this time is Zephaniah 3:17:
“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

This passage paints a beautiful picture of God’s heart for His people. It reminds us that God delights in those who seek Him and draws them close with His love. The joy described here isn’t fleeting or dependent on circumstances—it’s a deep, abiding joy rooted in the presence of God.

During Advent, we light the Candle of Joy to celebrate this promise. It’s a reminder that Christ’s coming brings joy not only to those who know Him but also to those still searching for Him. As a church, this is our opportunity to make room for those seekers, extending God’s love and joy to everyone around us.

How We Can Make Room for Seekers

Making room for seekers isn’t just about opening the church doors; it’s about opening our hearts and lives to welcome those who are searching. Here are some ways we can do that this Advent season:

Extend a Warm Welcome: Whether it’s at church, at work, or in your neighborhood, a simple act of kindness can open the door for meaningful conversations. Joy is contagious, and when we live in the joy of Christ, it becomes an invitation to others.

Be a Light in the Darkness: For many, the holiday season can feel lonely or overwhelming. Take time to reach out to someone who might be struggling—a coworker, a neighbor, or even a family member. Let them know they are not alone.

Invite Others to Worship: The Advent season is a wonderful time to invite friends or family to join you in celebrating Christ. A Christmas service, a candle-lighting, or even a simple gathering can be a powerful way to introduce them to the hope of the gospel.

Practice Generosity: The joy of seeking Christ is deeply connected to the joy of giving. Whether through acts of service, sharing a meal, or giving to those in need, our generosity reflects the heart of God and creates space for seekers to experience His love.

Joy for All People

The message of Advent is that Christ came for everyone—the outcasts, the curious, the lost, and the hopeful. He came for those who are seeking truth, hope, and meaning. Our role as the church is to reflect that truth by making room for everyone who is searching.

As we continue through this season, let’s be intentional about creating a culture of welcome, joy, and peace. Whether through a kind word, an invitation, or a simple gesture of love, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

A Reflection for the Season

Advent reminds us that God is with us. He is in our midst, rejoicing over us with gladness and inviting us into His presence. This joy is not just for us to keep—it’s a gift to share.

Who in your life might be seeking this season? How can you make room for them to encounter the joy of Christ?

Let’s embrace the call to make room for seekers, sharing the hope and joy of Jesus with all who cross our paths this Advent. Together, we can reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs His peace and love.

“Lord, thank You for being the God who seeks and saves the lost. Help us to make room for seekers in our lives, reflecting Your joy and love to those searching for You. May we be a light that points others to Your presence. Amen.”

Pastor Mark