The Mysteries of Advent

December 1, 2025

Advent is a season that invites us to pause and reflect. In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the value of waiting—whether through familiarity, busyness, or simple inattention. Yet, Advent encourages us to be still, to embrace the blessing found in waiting, and to discover what patience can teach us.

Throughout history, mystics have understood the importance of silence and attentiveness. They teach us to open ourselves to the world, to wait patiently, and to welcome mystery. In this spirit, Advent becomes a time to cultivate stillness and wonder.

Consider the story of Mary, travelling to Bethlehem, awaiting the birth of her child—Jesus, the Son of God. Staying with Mary in our imagination, we might wonder what she understood about her developing baby, and how she communicated with the child growing within her. Perhaps she apologized for the disruption of a long journey, and perhaps she found comfort in the traditions of hospitality that surrounded her. 

It’s worth noting that some familiar details of the nativity story may differ from historical reality. Scholars suggest there was likely no donkey, and no inn refusing them room. Instead, Mary and Joseph would have found shelter among friends or family in Bethlehem, in keeping with the hospitality customs of the time. Houses were often built with a mezzanine level for people to sleep, while animals stayed below. The manger, set in the floor, would have been warm, clean, and dry—a natural place to lay a newborn at the foot of the bed. The idea of being turned away is perhaps best understood as a metaphor: it invites us to consider how we welcome Jesus Christ, as well as how we welcome the stranger, the refugee, and those in need. 

The mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming human—remains at the heart of Advent. As we reflect on the words of the Nicene Creed, we encounter profound truths: “One Lord Jesus Christ… Son of God… consubstantial with the Father… became incarnate, born of Mary…” These words invite us to dwell on the astonishing reality of God-become-human. What does this mean for our understanding of God? What might God have intended in choosing to enter the world in this way? 

In these four weeks of Advent, let us take time to be still, to wait, and to allow ourselves to be mystified by the mystery. May we find meaning and joy in the waiting and may the mystery of the Incarnation inspire us to welcome others with open hearts. 

Song for Reflection: Waiting for You The Many; Album: Love > Fear; Licensed to YouTube by CD Baby; CD Baby Pro Publishing and 3 Music Rights Societies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-ElOo0Yxws&feature=youtu.be  (lyric/video)

The earth cries out, nothing feels right.

The world cries out, no justice in sight.

Fires burning everywhere,

Too many, too hot, too bright.

Refrain:  We are waiting for you. (x2)

               We are waiting for that

                Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

The child cries out, “don’t turn out the light.”

Broken hearts cry out, no end of hurt in sight.

Greed and guns rule everywhere,

Too many, too strong to fight.  R    bridge

Let us be a sign of hope  

Let us be your arms of love

Let us be the ones that say

There is another way. (x3)

We are waiting for you.

You are waiting for us, too.

We are waiting for that

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

We are waiting for you.

You are waiting for us, too. (x2)