Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Advent is a Season of waiting for the Lord’s coming: the Jewish people’s waiting for the Messiah in the Old Testament; our waiting for the birth of Jesus, our waiting for his Second coming at the end of time, and our waiting for His daily coming in his Church.
Advent Bible figures
The Bible figures we find in Advent are the Prophet Isaiah, Saint John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The prophet Isaiah expresses Israel’s hope for the Messiah, he announces the birth of Emmanuel, God-with-us, he incarnates God’s preparation and humanity’s longing.
John the Baptist announces that the coming of the Messiah is near, he calls the people to prepare for the Coming with baptism and conversion. John is the precursor.
Mary accepts to be Mother of the Messiah and waits. She is a symbol of God’s making His dwelling place in us.
The Second Preface of Advent expresses this waiting:
« His future coming was proclaimed by all the prophets. The virgin mother bore him in her womb with love beyond all telling. John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came. In his love Christ has filled us with joy as we prepare to celebrate his birth, so that when he comes he may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise.».
(J.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 23 November 2006)
