Fall, a large portion of the pagan world had begun to long for the Saviour who was expected in Judaea.
Now, “when the fulness of time was come, God sent His Son that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4, 4). “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as it were of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1, 14).
The signification of Advent. This season ought to make us think of the sad condition of the world before our Lord’s Incarnation, and prepare ourselves, by penance and a longing desire, for the Birth of Christ in our hearts.
The two natures of the Redeemer. The passage: “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just; let the earth be opened, and bud forth a Saviour”, which occurs in Isaias 45, 8, clearly foretells the twofold nature of God made Man. The Divine nature is signified by the prophecy that the Saviour shall come down from heaven (in another passage Isaias cries out: “O that Thou wouldst rend the heavens, and wouldst come down!”); and His Human nature is shown by the prophecy that the earth shall bring Him forth. As God, Jesus Christ came down from heaven, and took His Human nature on earth in the womb of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Heaven and earth worked together to bring forth the God made Man, through whom earth has been reconciled to heaven.
Application. Have you a great desire for the truth which has been revealed to us through Jesus Christ? Do you take great pains to learn all you can about the true doctrines of Christianity? Do you take pleasure in your religious instruction?
Have you a desire that Jesus Christ should come and reign in your heart and dwell therein; or do you look forward to the hour of your first Communion for any less worthy reasons? When you are hearing Mass, make a spiritual Communion, and excite in yourself a longing desire to receive your Divine Saviour. Be sorry for your sins, and pray our Lord to come and dwell spiritually in your heart!
