During the Advent season, we are afforded several examples of people in the history of the Church who serve as great examples of how we can prepare for the coming of Christ. The Blessed Mother is an ideal example of someone who obviously was ready to say "yes" to God’s will. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary that we celebrate on Monday, (not a holy Day of Obligation this year) celebrates Mary being conceived in her mother's womb. Prepared by God from the first moment of her life to receive Jesus Christ — God's grace preserved Mary from sin from the womb to the end of her life, because of her role in the mystery of salvation as the mother of Jesus Christ. Mary embodies the hope and possibility that is for all in a relationship with her Son.
On December 12, we celebrate Mary as the Virgin Lady of Guadalupe which is an amazing example of Advent anticipation. Behind the miraculous appearance and icon that define Our Lady of Guadalupe is a story of persistence and courage. When our Lady appeared to Juan Diego, she sent him to the bishop to request that a church be built. An indigenous peasant farmer, Juan Diego had no status, power, or influence with which to impress the bishop, yet he followed through with Our Lady's request. Risking rejection or even ridicule, he returned twice with his amazing story of the vision. With the blooming flowers packed in his tilma, and the miraculous icon that emerged beneath them, Our Lady helped Juan Diego make his point. The story teaches us trust, and the certainty that when God calls us to proclaim His kingdom, we are surrounded by the grace we need to see our mission through.
December 13, is the memorial of St. Lucy who even from a young age had an intense desire to serve God and an infinite love for the poor. Living in Syracuse, a city in Sicily, she fell prey to the Diocletian persecutions of Catholics in 304, which resulted in her martyrdom. She resisted a man, believed to be a Roman soldier, who tried to rape her. He turned her in as a Christian and had her tortured and killed. One well-known legend is that
she tore out her eyes to resist her attacker. An example of her dedication to follow God and His moral code.
December 14, is the memorial of St. John of the Cross. A Carmelite priest who died in 1591. He, along with his friend St. Teresa of Avila, set
out to reform the Carmelite Order to its original spirit, a life of simplicity centered on interior prayer. Persecuted by his fellow Carmelites and
eventually imprisoned, he composed a beautiful poem, known as The Dark Knight, which expressed his intense desire for God. He teaches us great things by encouraging a life of simplicity so as to focus more on God.
There are many great Advent examples in the lives of the saints. You might read up on some of these and more to encourage you in your Advent preparation.