Advent is a multi-layered liturgical time:
- The first coming – we look back to anticipate the birth of the Messiah
- The second coming – we look forward in expectation of Christ’s eventual return
- Always coming – we realize that Christ is among us here and now, appearing often where we least expect him.
He came. He’s coming. But he’s always here.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Another way of looking at it…. He came once in history. He will come again someday in majesty. He comes to us every day in mystery.
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Liturgical time is timeless and it is also the convergence of times. It is kairos time.
The readings of Advent Sundays vary from year to year but they are always the same themes:
- 1st Sunday of Advent – Jesus’ second coming
- 2nd and 3rd Sundays of Advent – John the Baptist heralding Jesus’ first coming
- 4th Sunday of Advent – Jesus’ nativity
Isn’t it a bit odd that the Advent journey takes us backward in time?!
A guiding question for all the readings: How do these passages encourage or instruct us to look for Christ here and now, in the present moment?
During the season of Advent, each reading stands alone and should be interpreted through the lens of the liturgical season. This is different than Ordinary Time when the Old Testament and Gospel readings are closely connected and help interpret each other.
Also during this season, the historical and cultural context of the readings matters far less when interpreting the passage than does the season itself. We can look at historical and cultural settings but these are not the primary driver for interpretation.
From a sermon by Saint Bernard “The Three Comings of the Lord“
We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.
In case someone should think that what we say about this middle coming is sheer invention, listen to what our Lord himself ways: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. There is another passage of Scripture which reads: He who fears God will do good, but something further has been said about the one who loves, that is, that he will keep God’s word. Where is God’s word to be kept? Obviously in the heart, as the prophet says: I have hidden your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness. Remember to eat your bread, or your heart will wither away. Fill your soul with richness and strength.
Because this coming lies between the other two, it is like a road on which we travel from the first coming to the last. In the first, Christ was our redemption; in the last, he will appear as our life; in this middle coming, he is our rest and consolation.
If you keep the word of God in this way, it will also keep you. The Son with the Father will come to you. The great Prophet who will build the new Jerusalem will come, the one who makes all things new. This coming will fulfill what is written: As we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly man. Just as Adam’s sin spread through all mankind and took hold of all, so Christ, who created and redeemed all, will glorify all, once he takes possession of all.