In a chapter on Advent in the spirituality of St. Bernard, Thomas Merton wrote, “We can never climb to Him, He must descend to us. This is most important in the mystery of Advent—God’s descent to our lowliness out of pure love, not for any merit of our own. Divine mercy is most evident in the tenderness with which the infinite God tempers the strength of His light to the weakness of our eyes and becomes a man like the rest of us” (Seasons of Celebration).

What a beautiful and profound thought! This reminder from Thomas Merton (and St. Bernard) is an invitation to complete surrender to our loving and merciful God. Let us contemplate that great mystery of Advent: Christ—God!—becoming an infant, born of Mary, descending to us, and living, like us, in a difficult, sinful world, with all the suffering that entails, out of love. Truly, that one is worthy of our love and trust, our praise and thanksgiving.

This Advent, may we allow God to shine his light into our lives and hearts, and may we live so as to reflect God’s light and love to others, especially those most in need of his mercy.

Come, Lord Jesus, Marantha!

Wade Wisler, Publisher