When was the last time you stepped up to face something in your life, even though you weren’t sure you had it in you to do so?
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” — Brené Brown
It’s a quiet, snow-dusted night in Home Alone. Kevin McCallister sits in a church pew, a little boy carrying the weight of knowing thieves want to rob his home, his entire family is out of the country, and he has to navigate each situation feeling and being very alone.
He entered the church seeking refuge from the chaos around him.
And ironically, even when he was trying to seek peace, he was confronted by yet another one of his significant fears.
There, sitting beside him, was Old Man Marley—the neighbor he’s terrified to encounter.
But in that sanctuary, the two share a moment of vulnerability. Kevin listens as Marley confesses his broken relationship with his son and his fear of an attempt at reconciliation because what if his son rejects him?
As Kevin listens, he encourages him to show up.
Isn’t that the heart of courage? To show up. To truly see others. To let ourselves be seen.
Advent is a season that calls us to show up. It’s about waiting, watching, and preparing for the arrival of Jesus—the Light of the World. But Advent also challenges us to step into the story ourselves.
To move from spectators of the Christmas miracle to participants in it.
Jesus didn’t come into the world hidden or guarded.
He showed up fully seen, born as a baby in a dusty manger, surrounded by animals and shepherds.
Vulnerable.
Open.
Willing to face rejection and fear to bring light and hope to us all.
What keeps you from showing up?
In Home Alone, Kevin’s fears almost keep him from showing up for the battle ahead. The burglars, the dark basement, the judgment from others—it’s all so overwhelming. But what happens when he steps forward? He realizes that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to act despite it.
What about you? What fears are keeping you from stepping into what God has called you to? Is it the fear of failure? Rejection? Being truly seen for who you are?
Brené Brown reminds us, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.” To show up is to risk being vulnerable—to let others see your hopes, your fears, your imperfections.
Advent invites us to take that risk. Just like the one we follow did.
John 1:1, 4-5, 9, 14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
What fears are keeping you from showing up fully in your relationships, your faith, or your calling?
Who in your life might need you to see them during this Advent season?
How can you let yourself be seen by God, trusting that God loves you just as you are?
Like Kevin, we are called to face the things that scare us, to trust that when we show up, God’s grace will meet us there. This Advent, may we step into the light of Christ, knowing that Christ’s presence is with us, Christ’s love casts out fear, and Christ’s light will guide us home.
A Prayer for Courage
Lord, thank You for showing up for us through Jesus. Thank You for seeing us in our brokenness and loving us still. This Advent season, help us find the courage to show up, to truly see those around us, and to let ourselves be seen. Let Your light shine into the places we fear and give us the strength to walk forward in faith. Amen.