The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word for “arrive.” In the season of Advent, Christians reflect on the first arrival of Christ as a baby born in Bethlehem, as well as the second promised arrival of Christ, when he returns to make all things new.⁣ ⁣ What brings these two “advents” together is the arrival of Jesus’ kingdom, the Kingdom of God. In the way he loved, forgave and healed others, Jesus brought this strange kingdom to all whose lives he touched. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has also made his forever kingdom available to us as well.⁣ ⁣ And yet, there is still more to this season.⁣ ⁣ In Advent we also reflect on the Jesus’ promise that one day he will come back as King of Kings and Lord of Lord to bring his forever kingdom to earth in a way so radical and complete that it will restore all creation—including us!—to God’s original design. He will raise us from the dead and restore us so that we can be with him in this renewed cosmos forever. This is why we celebr...