Advent as a Sacrament

Advent is the “sacrament” of the PRESENCE of God in His world, in the mystery of Christ at work in History through His Church, preparing in a hidden, obscure way for the final manifestation of His Kingdom. — Thomas Merton (Seasons of Celebration, p. 51)

As the Advent season begins, perhaps it can be a time of reflection not only on the coming Kingdom but also the work of Kingdom building here on earth as it is in heaven. Building a Kingdom where love, justice, mercy, and peace aren’t dreams to be dreamed but a reality to be lived.