Why St. Andrew is a perfect Advent saint

St. Andrew was eagerly waiting for the Messiah and when he found him, took others to see him.

St. Andrew the Apostle is almost always celebrated during the Advent season and his is typically the first feast day of the season of preparation. While St. Andrew didn’t encounter Jesus until the beginning of his public ministry, Andrew’s actions in the Gospel of John provide for us a perfect model for Advent.

St. John Chrysostom provides for us a commentary on St. Andrew and how he fits within this season before Christmas.

After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time ... They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah.

St. Andrew was like many Jews of the 1st century, waiting with expectation for the coming of the Messiah. He did not know when the Messiah would come, but he had hope that one day his longing would be fulfilled.

This is an important lesson for us. We too should cultivate in our hearts a special longing for Jesus, waiting with expectation for not only his second coming, but also his coming to us in the gift of the Holy Eucharist. One of the primary marks of a Christian is to spend our lives longing to be with Jesus.

St. John Chrysostom continues his commentary and notes how St. Andrew’s desire to share the good news with his brother highlights another central key of Advent.

Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.

One of the greatest tasks we have as Christians is to share the joy we have received with others. During Advent we wait for Christmas, and then when Christmas arrives, we are challenged to share that joy of Jesus with others.

As we progress through Advent, may St. Andrew the Apostle intercede for us and help us share the joy of finding Jesus with others.