In Seasons of Celebration, Thomas Merton reflects on the writings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Saint Bernard spoke of three advents of Christ.
The first advent is “that in which He comes to seek and to save the lost.”
The third advent is “that in which He comes to takes us to Himself.”
The second advent, the one which I’ve been thinking on ever since reading about it, is the present advent which “is taking place at every moment of our own earthly life as wayfarers.”
Thomas Merton said, referring to the second advent, the one between the first and third,
To meditate on these two Advents
is to sleep between the arms of God
with His left hand under our head
and His right hand embracing us.
It is also to sleep ‘between the lots’ —
that is to say to
‘live at peace in the midst of our inheritance’.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
Lovely post. I’ll look forward to seeing more on your theme.
Sharon E. Cathcart
A is for Angel
I’ve always enjoyed the Advent season. It’s a cozy time.
I saw that your theme was Thomas Merton plus photographs and I was hooked. Enjoy A2Z! 🙂
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2019/04/01/a-to-z-challenge-april-world-holidays-letter-a/
I’ve dedicated this year to reading Thomas Merton, and, I have to say, I can’t believe I waited this long to read him! His quotes are good. His books are amazing and challenging.
I got some education today. I never knew what the Advent season was about. Now it’s more clear.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Traditionally Advent is the time in the Christian calendar leading up to Christmas, which is the birth of Christ. I think the significance of it has gotten lost for many people. Advent calendars, with their little doors to open every day and little surprises, used to have a nativity scene as part of them. Now it’s all about the goods. 😉
Terrific shot!