Right before Christmas – 1192 - Richard the Lionheart was captured
near Vienna as he returned from the Crusades. Normally any Crusader is guaranteed
safe passage home, but Richard had made a number of enemies. His captors demanded
a huge ransom – and they kept him in prison over 2 years until it was paid.
He would understand our Advent hymn very well – O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel, and ranson captive Israel! Set us free Lord. We await you!
Advent - Adventus
– “coming” who is Coming? - Christ
3 Comings
In Bethlehem – history
Each day – mystery
End of time – majesty
1) Came
in History
Emperor Hadrian very famous for building 126 AD the Pantheon
in Rome– also in 135 built a Temple in Bethlehem = on spot where early
Christians built a shrine marking the spot of the birth of Christ! He marked
the spot forever! – Constantine 327 built Church of Nativity- present church 6th
century oldest surviving church in Holy
Land
Used to have huge door – but enemies would ride horses
in - so they made it very small - have to bow. Then you go down steps – see the star
on the floor – and there you are!
Believe that Messiah was born here - Word Became Flesh! changed the history of
the human race – why we celebrate Christmas -
Mass of Christ
2) Comes
in Mystery
Tragedy of first Christmas – so few recognized what
happened.
Even today – so few recognize that Jesus is STILL with us.
1)
Word - 2) Sacrament: words of forgiveness, pouring
with water, anointing with oil, exchange of vows, and most especially: The
Eucharist - 3) Community (Church) 2 or 3 4) distressing disguise of the poor. Pay attention to the Presence of Christ
3) Will
Come In Majesty
“As we await the Blessed hope and the coming of our savior,
Jesus Christ”
When will He come? – we don’t know, stopped trying to figure
that out a long time ago.
But – he will
come -
be ready
“Sub specie aeternitatis”
“View everything under the aspect of eternity”
-
is this action going to help me get to heaven, or is it
going to hurt my chances?
-
How will this appear on the day of judgment?
-
Good time for Sacrament of Penance!
History – Mystery – Majesty
- The 3 comings of
Christ.
There are many ways to prepare for Christmas. The Church
offers us a special way! Let us use
this Advent well - to prepare for the
Coming of the Lord!
