Is It Mere Coincidence, or Is God Calling Us to Something Deeper?
This year, the season of Advent begins on Sunday, 1st December, offering a rare alignment: the entire Advent season spans exactly 25 days, perfectly aligned with the countdown to Christmas. This unique occurrence only happens approximately every 5 to 7 years. Such a perfect alignment invites us to reflect deeply: is this merely a coincidence, or is it a divine invitation from God?
In moments like this, where dates and events align with profound symmetry, we are invited to pause and reflect. Could God be asking us to enter this Advent with greater intention, to make this season not merely a ritual but a deep spiritual journey? The perfect structure of 25 days hints at divine order—a reminder that God orchestrates all things in His time. This Advent invites us to embrace the sacred rhythm of preparation, waiting, and joy more deeply than ever before. It is an extraordinary opportunity to deepen our focus on Christ and to approach Advent with a renewed sense of purpose and attentiveness. Advent, as a season of preparation, now becomes a gift of sacred rhythm: one day at a time, one step closer to the manger, one moment of grace after another.
The Threefold Coming of Christ
Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, means "coming" or "arrival." It is a season of anticipation and preparation, both spiritually and liturgically. Unlike the secular focus on rushing towards Christmas, Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and embrace the sacred rhythm of waiting. This waiting is not passive; it is filled with hope, expectation, and readiness for God’s presence to transform our lives.
Advent reminds us that Christ comes to us in three distinct but interconnected ways:
In History – Remembering the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
During Advent, we journey back to the first coming of Christ over 2,000 years ago. We remember and celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation: the moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This historical coming is not just a past event to be commemorated; it is a profound reminder of God's immense love for humanity. Through Jesus, God entered human history as a baby born in Bethlehem. The name Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," is no coincidence. It foreshadows Jesus’ mission as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), nourishing our souls for eternal life. His humble birth in a manger—literally a feeding trough—further deepens this symbolism. Jesus, even in His infancy, shows us that He came to give Himself as sustenance for humanity, fulfilling our deepest spiritual hunger.
This connection to the Holy Eucharist is not accidental but a divine reality woven into the fabric of salvation history. The fall of Adam and Eve began with consuming the forbidden fruit, a disobedient act involving food that led to death. In contrast, Jesus, the new Adam, offers Himself as the true and life-giving food, undoing the sin of our first parents. The manger, the feeding place for animals, symbolises the profound truth that Christ would become food for our souls, nourishing us through the Holy Eucharist.
In Mystery – Experiencing Christ’s Presence in Our Daily Lives
Christ's coming is not confined to the past. He comes to us continually in mystery, especially in the Holy Eucharist. When we received the Holy Eucharist, we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are united with the same Jesus who was laid in the manger in Bethlehem. The feeding trough where He was placed at His birth prefigures the altar where He offers Himself to us as spiritual food.
The Holy Eucharist becomes the means through which Christ's birth in Bethlehem is not just an event of the past but an ongoing reality. Just as the shepherds and Magi approached the Baby Jesus with awe and reverence, we too are called to approach the altar with hearts full of gratitude and faith. In the "house of bread," Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of Life; in the Holy Eucharist, He continues to nourish and sustain us on our journey toward heaven. This profound reality invites us to encounter His presence every day in the Holy Mass and invites us to be attentive to His presence in the here and now.
In Majesty – Anticipating His Glorious Return
The final dimension of Advent is eschatological, pointing us toward the second coming of Christ in glory at the end of time. This future coming is a cornerstone of our Christian faith: the promise that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, establishing His eternal kingdom of justice, peace, and love. The imagery of food is present even in this ultimate coming. At the heavenly banquet described in the Book of Revelation, we will partake in the eternal feast of the Lamb, the culmination of Christ’s Eucharistic gift.
The fall of our first parents began with eating the forbidden fruit, but the story of salvation ends with the redeemed consuming the Bread of Life at the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb. In this sense, Advent reminds us that our preparation is not just for Christmas but for eternity. We are invited to live with the awareness that the Holy Eucharist is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where we will be fully united with Christ.
Through the threefold coming of Christ—in history, in mystery, and in majesty—we see the divine thread connecting the manger to the altar and to eternity. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the "house of bread," and laid in a manger, the feeding trough, came not only to dwell among us but to nourish us with His very self. This Advent, let us prepare our hearts to receive Him with the same awe and humility as the shepherds and the Magi, recognising in the Holy Eucharist the fulfilment of His promise: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall not thirst.” (John 6:35).
A Season of Hope, Repentance, and Renewal
Advent is much more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred season of spiritual growth and renewal. Each of the threefold comings of Christ invites us to respond in profound ways:
Hope: In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty, division, and suffering, Advent rekindles our hope in God’s promises. Just as the people of Israel longed for the Messiah, we too are called to place our trust in God’s divine plan even when it is not immediately visible. The daily readings throughout Advent remind us of God’s steadfast love and His unwavering desire to be with His people. The prophets, such as Isaiah, foretell the coming of the Messiah as the fulfilment of God’s covenant—a hope fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This same hope extends to our own lives, assuring us that no matter how dark or uncertain our circumstances may feel, God is present and working in our lives.
Repentance: Advent, like Lent, is a penitential season, though marked by the joy of anticipation rather than the solemnity of the Passion. It is a time to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and seek God’s mercy. By clearing away spiritual clutter, we make room for Christ to dwell within us. Repentance is not merely a recognition of our shortcomings but a conscious decision to return to God, seeking His mercy and grace. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord, calling people to repent and be baptised, we are called to prepare the way and resolve to change our lives for Christ to dwell in us.
Renewal: The season invites us to embrace a renewed focus on Christ, letting go of distractions that pull us away from Him. As the season unfolds, we are invited to reorient our lives, shedding distractions and focusing on what truly matters. The King of Kings chose to be born in a manger to show us that salvation is rooted in simplicity and humility. His example challenges us to let go of pride, materialism, and the distractions of the world that hinder our spiritual growth. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace. Advent renewal prepares us not only for Christmas but for our ultimate meeting with Christ at the end of time. It invites us to live with an eternal perspective, ready to meet Him with joy whenever He comes.
Advent’s Call to Prepare Anew
Advent is a profound reminder that our lives are a journey toward Christ. Whether we are looking back to Bethlehem, seeking His presence today, or anticipating His future return, the season calls us to live with a sense of holy urgency and joy, always ready to meet our Lord.
The Church, in her wisdom, gives us this time not to rush, but to wait intentionally. It reminds us to detach from worldly distractions and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our love for others. As the world around us grows busy with commercial preparations, Advent asks us to slow down, reflect, and focus on the ultimate gift—God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ.
Advent is not just a season of waiting but of profound participation in God’s redemptive plan. As we journey through this sacred time, may we reflect on the incredible gift of Christ, who came, who comes, and who will come again, offering Himself as the Bread of Life for the salvation of the world.
Let us approach this Advent with open hearts, ready to embrace the fullness of God’s grace and welcome Him anew in every aspect of our lives. In doing so, we will find that the waiting itself becomes a gift, drawing us closer to God who is the source of all hope, peace, joy, and love. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, let us meditate on this mystery of divine humility and love: the Bread of Life who came down from heaven to dwell among us.
May we all have a blessed and joyous journey this season of Advent.
Advent Resources:
Rejoice! Advent Meditations with the Holy Family - A beautifully crafted devotional that guides readers through meditations with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus during Advent.
Advent and Christmas with the Church Fathers - This compilation features reflections and meditations from early Church Fathers, including works from Saint Augustine of Hippo, a Doctor of the Church.
The Star (2017) - This animated film tells the Nativity story from the perspective of a small but brave donkey named Bo and his animal friends. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to witness the birth of Jesus.
The Nativity Story (2006) - A reverent portrayal of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, this film brings the biblical narrative to life with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances. It captures the experiences of Mary, Joseph, and the challenges they faced, culminating in the Nativity.
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