by Gordon Street, SWC Commissioned Minister
Advent, the season of Jesus the Human, invites us to slow down and reflect on the deeply relatable aspects of his life. Before he preached, healed, or walked on water, he was a baby—vulnerable, dependent, and wrapped in the same fragile humanity we all carry. Advent marks the beginning of the story that reminds us Jesus faced every challenge we face: uncertainty, loneliness, hope, joy, fear, and the longing to be understood. In this sacred season, we are reminded that God chose to draw near to us by becoming one of us.
In my keep-it-simple theology, Jesus didn’t complicate things. He didn’t come to burden us with rules or create spiritual hurdles. Instead, he showed us how to live in harmony with one another, how to embrace compassion, and how to stay connected with the divine presence we call God. His teachings were grounded in everyday life—sharing meals, noticing those on the margins, offering mercy, and reminding us that love is the greatest commandment. Through him, we learn that spiritual connection isn’t abstract or far away; it is lived, practiced, and embodied.
We all seek understanding—about ourselves, about others, and about what God is inviting us toward. The stories of Scripture and the life of Jesus provide a trustworthy guide for this journey. In Advent, as we watch and wait, we are gently drawn back to the simple truth Jesus taught: God is with us, God is for us, and God walks alongside us in every part of our human experience. And as we prepare our hearts for the coming light, we remember that the Christ Child shows us not only who God is—but also who we are called to be.
Advent, the season of Jesus the Human, reminds us of the relatable factor in his life. It’s the beginning of the story that Jesus’s experiences reveal that he faced all the challenges we humans encounter.
In my simple theology, Jesus didn’t complicate things. He taught us how to coexist harmoniously and connect with the divine, God. We all seek understanding, and the Bible stories and Jesus’s life provide guidance on how to achieve this.