As we journey into the final weeks of Advent—our time of waiting, preparing, and longing for the coming of Christ—look to Saint John of the Cross for inspiration. We honor his feast day on December 14. He is a 16th-century priest, mystic, and Doctor of the Church who teaches us how to prepare our hearts with humility, hope, trust, and perseverance. His wisdom echoes the call of Advent: to fix our eyes on Christ even when the road is dim, to welcome God’s presence in the silence, and to trust that light is on its way.
Saint John’s very name reflects his mission—to embrace the cross with faith as his strength. He endured deep hardship, misunderstanding, persecution, and physical suffering. Yet, like the prophets and people who waited for the Messiah, he never let go of hope. He accepted each trial as a path that led him closer to God.
In this way, his life mirrors the spiritual posture of Advent:
hope in the darkness, trusting that God is working unseen.
His most celebrated writings—The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Spiritual Canticle, and Dark Night of the Soul—teach us that the dark nights we endure are not signs of abandonment but invitations to deeper transformation. Advent reminds us of this too: before the dawn of Christ’s birth came centuries of longing, silence, and hope.
The sketch featured on this page is one by Saint John of the Cross – his vision of the Crucifixion. It specifically shows Jesus’ body slumped forward, His head bowed toward His chest.
This powerful perspective reminds us during Advent that the Christ we await is fully human, the One who understands our pain, fear, loneliness, and longing. The Savior born in Bethlehem is the same Christ who would embrace the cross for love of us.
Wisdom from St. John of the Cross to echo in your mind and heart as we walk through the remaining days of Advent:
“Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.”“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.”
“He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good.”
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it.”
