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Advent is quickly approaching. This Sunday marks the beginning of the (Western) Church calendar. Advent is such a wonderful time of looking forward to the celebration of the Nativity (aka "Christmas"). Advent - which I believe is derived from the Latin, 'adventus' or 'coming' - is a time of both reflection and anticipation. Christians are called to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation: God becoming eternally joined with humanity in the person of Jesus. We remember how the Messiah came into the world that He might recreate it, that he might bring salvation. Also, we anticipate His coming again to finish the work that was initiated in Bethlehem. We look forward with hope towards that second coming of Christ when all things are brought to fulfillment and all things are put right.
St. John's Gospel, though not normally thought of when considering Christmas texts, contains a most amazing and beautiful Nativity account:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
With so few words John expresses the mystery of the Incarnation to us: the eternal Word of God became human. In a poor stable in a rural backwater town God's glory shined forth. In that newborn baby's cry, the Gospel was declared - the Word of God spoke a message of hope to a world in need.
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