We spend most of this month in that time of joyful, eager, possibly stressful anticipation we call Advent. We are challenged by the numerous seasonal celebrations, the “holiday rush,” and all the preparations that come with welcoming guests. In fact, preparation is one of the principal themes of Advent as we await the coming of Christ. As we prepare once more to welcome Christ into our hearts, Fr. Emanuel Franco’s art (manuocarm.org) helps us contemplate the many miracles and messages that make up the story of the Incarnation.
An angel, a messenger of God, brought news to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son—the Son of God. Another angel visited Joseph, telling him to take Mary as his wife and to help raise the child. Heavenly messengers also spoke to God’s humble people in that land, telling them that a savior was born for them, God’s Anointed One, and they should go and seek him out. About the same time, another sort of messenger, a great star, appeared in the sky. It caught the attention of men of science from distant lands, leading them to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Judea in search of a newborn king. This infant king grew up, and many more wondrous things occurred. He taught people how to live in love and peace, with mercy and kindness, and, indeed, became the Savior of the world.
We wait for him to come to us again. And while we wait, we ponder the stories, the messages, the miracles. Even now, that newborn king’s Spirit lives among us, vying for our attention, competing with the noise of our lives. Holy Spirit, help us wait in stillness and quiet for the coming of the King of Peace, ready to welcome him with joy into our hearts.
