3 Guides to follow in our observance of Advent

St. John Paul II pointed to the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist and Isaiah as "guides" for us during Advent.

When reflecting on the season of Advent, St. John Paul II pointed out 3 specific guides for us to follow in our spiritual preparation for Christmas.

He spoke about these guides on a general audience in December 18, 2002.

In the liturgy of these days, the Church offers us three outstanding “guides” to show us the proper attitude to assume in going to meet the divine “guest” of humanity.

1Virgin Mary

Mary, who in this novena of preparation for Christmas, guides us towards Bethlehem. Mary is the Woman of the “yes” who, contrary to Eve, makes the plan of God her own without reservation. Thus she becomes a clear light for our steps and the highest model for our inspiration.

2St. John the Baptist

Then there is John the Baptist, the precursor of the Messiah, who is presented as a “voice crying in the wilderness,” preaching “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (cf. Mk 1,4). It is the only condition for recognizing the Messiah already present in the world.

3Isaiah

Isaiah, the prophet of consolation and hope. He proclaims a true and proper Gospel for the people of Israel, enslaved in Babylon, and urges them to remain vigilant in prayer, to recognize “the signs” of the coming of the Messiah.