As we journey through the Advent season, our hearts turn toward the anticipation of Christ’s coming at Christmas — a time marked by preparation, reflection and hope. It is a season that invites us to slow down, quiet our surroundings and make room for the presence of God. The figures in the Nativity story offer powerful examples of how to respond to divine promptings and draw closer to the Lord. Their encounters with Jesus serve as models for our own spiritual journey, reminding us that faith and openness to God are essential, no matter where we are in our walk with Him.

We begin with Mary and Joseph. Like our own Advent experience, theirs was a season of waiting and preparation. They recognized the time had come for the child in Mary’s womb to be born and made space for Him — even if that space was a humble manger in Bethlehem. Their trust and obedience in the face of uncertainty reflect the kind of surrender we are called to during Advent.

The Magi, wise men from the East, were guided by a sign — a brilliant star foretold in Numbers 24:17: “A star shall come forth out of Jacob.” They followed it faithfully, not knowing where it would lead, but trusting that it would bring them to something magnificent.

Then there were the shepherds. In the quiet darkness of night, an angel appeared with a message: “A Savior has been born for you.” Scripture tells us they responded with haste, leaving behind their flocks to seek the newborn King.

God calls each person uniquely. Mary and Joseph were moved by physical signs, the Magi by celestial ones and the shepherds by a supernatural message. In each case, attentiveness to God’s voice was key. As Mother St. Teresa often said, we must quiet ourselves to hear God. In the stillness of night, each figure in the Nativity story heard and responded to His call. 

They sought the Lord with urgency — and found joy in encountering the infant Jesus.

In the Nativity, we find timeless examples of how we, too, can seek and encounter Christ. The Lord gives signs and sends messengers, but, most importantly, it is up to us to listen, to respond and to pursue Him with intention, until we ultimately find Him present in our lives.