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Across the world the curtains are rising and the familiar scenes of humble mangers tucked in Bethlehem come to light. The players that exit and enter the stage are the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the wise and the simple. In this Holy season we retell the stories of the great mystery of God becoming man. From the miracle of the birth of John the Baptist, to the elderly saint rejoicing at his answered prayers. Across the lifespan and through the ‘seven ages of man’, we see in the Advent stories that God himself has intended that each one of us has a part to play in the great mystery of salvation.
In the first act, we meet the mewling infant John, leaping with joy within the womb. Though not yet born in the flesh, he is fully present in spirit, recognizing the nearness of Christ. His response fills his mother, Elizabeth, with awe and wonder, prompting her to exclaim, “How is it that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” Our gaze then shifts to the newborn Jesus, lying peacefully in the manger—unaware of the dangers that surround him and the poverty into which he has entered. Like all infants, he rests in complete trust, secure in the care he receives. In the Advent story, these two infants perform their roles to perfection, reminding us of the joy and peace that come when we encounter Christ.
Act 2 of the ‘stages of man’ introduces the schoolboys with their satchels – enter the shepherd boys of the Advent story, slings at their sides as they tend their flocks. Brimming with youthful energy, they move as a tight-knit band, laughing together and, with luck, staying out of trouble. Then, in a moment that halts their play, the night sky erupts in radiant light as the heavenly hosts appear. The boys freeze in awe. A trumpet sounds, and the angel Gabriel steps forward, proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy: today in the town of David, a Savior has been born.” Stirred by wonder and curiosity, the boys drop everything and run—eager to see the Christ child for themselves. This Advent season, let us pause and watch our children. In their urgency and delight, they show us how to seek Christ with open hearts and unbridled joy.
The eastern star shines brightly, and the trumpets resound with the proclamation: “He is here.” In the sacred narrative of Christ’s birth, the third and fourth acts of man unfold as Mary and Joseph step into the story. First, we meet Mary—the radiant adolescent virgin chosen to carry and bear the Son of God. Beautiful Mary. With unwavering faith, she says “yes” to Christ, embracing her divine calling without hesitation. Beside her stands Joseph, a man of strength and devotion—a lover, a protector, a soldier of purpose—called to be husband, father, and guardian. This Advent season, we honor and uplift our young people as they navigate their own journeys of identity and divine purpose. We need young adults of integrity, unafraid to stand firm against the tide of popular opinion. As we gaze upon the nativity scenes around the world, we are reminded that God chose to enter this world through a family. The Holy Family stands as a timeless symbol of faith, courage, and calling.
Middle adulthood—the fifth act—ushers in Zechariah and Elizabeth. This season of life is often marked by weighty responsibility and quiet strength. Zechariah, chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple, faithfully fulfills his priestly duty. Yet on this day, he lingers longer than expected, leaving the people outside puzzled. Inside, he has encountered the angel, Gabriel. Unlike the youthful shepherds, Zechariah response is older, more cautious, perhaps wiser. When told of the miraculous child to come, he responds not with wonder, but with doubt: “How can this be?” In response, God silences him. Yet in that silence, Zechariah is refined. Through this trial, he is humbled, and from that humility springs forth a beautiful song of praise to God. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s long-held sorrow is lifted—she is with child. Together, Zechariah and Elizabeth are renewed, becoming a source of strength and encouragement for the Holy Family. The graces and mercies of God are evident throughout our lives. In the advent season Zechariah and Elizabeth remind us there are untold new possibilities and second chances sprinkled throughout life.
In the seventh and final act Simeon plays his part. Guided by the Spirit, he enters the temple courtyard, where he encounters a young family with their infant son. Taking the baby Jesus into his arms, Simeon praises God. Perhaps, as Shakespeare notes he was “sans teeth, sans eyes, sans everything” but it did not matter, Simeon knew his prayers had been answered; the long wait was finally over. With joy, Simeon declares that his mission is complete and that he is ready to be dismissed in peace. It is a full-circle moment in the Advent story: just as the infant leapt in the womb at the recognition of Christ, now the old man leaps in spirit at that same recognition. The elderly Simeon blesses the child and leaves the next generation with a prophetic word: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
As we enter the new year the curtains will come down on the manager’s scenes across the world, but it is not the end of the story, it is just the beginning. The stage has been reset, and we are now the infants, the schoolboys, the adolescents, the adults, the middle aged and the seniors each with a part to play in the unfolding plan of salvation. What act are you in this Advent 2025 season? What is your part to play, is it to stand in the face of adversity; to humble yourself; to change course’ to support the young, to be curious or to move with urgency toward Christ?
One day, the final act will come when every player exits the stage and is called home. The trumpets will sound, perhaps Gabriel will descend once more to proclaim, “Do not fear I have Good News”. I imagine the heavens will be lit up and we will stand in awe. For at last, we will be united with Christ, the One who stepped into time, clothed in mystery, God made flesh to redeem each one of us.
Yaz Johnson never considered herself a professional writer. In fact, for a long time, she believed she couldn’t write at all. Words didn’t come easily, and expressing ideas beyond a single sentence felt painfully difficult. Her strengths were rooted in science and math, which naturally led her to a career in healthcare.
Over the years, she wrote articles and dissertations out of necessity, but rarely found joy in the process. Occasionally, she was invited to give a speech or write a personal reflection—moments that stirred something within her. The creativity and introspection involved in those experiences were energizing.
Then came a dark and difficult season in her life. To cope with the challenges, Yaz began journaling. Through this practice, she discovered the beauty and power of words. Her reflections often revealed themes of grace and mercy. Before long, those journal entries evolved into articles, books, and meditations—marking the beginning of a new chapter in her relationship with writing.
