# A melody of hope
*2008-12-09*

> Bill Young reflects on the true meaning of Advent and shares a poignant story about finding hope in the midst of oppression.

## The true meaning of the season

As we move through the second week of Advent, it is important to remember that this season is not about presents, lights, or trees. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ and how He came to save us sinners. He came for everyone—for all people on earth, those who have passed and those who are here now. God is present today; though He was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, He is still in our lives, desiring our love and our commitment to Him.

## A prayer for favors

I would like to share a prayer to obtain favors that was given to me many years ago by my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa. I dedicate this prayer and this Advent season to her, trusting she is in heaven watching over us: 

Hail and blessed be the hour and a moment for which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vow, save, oh my God, to hear my prayers, grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother. Amen.

## Human rights and the birds of hope

Reading from 'A Melody of Hope' by Reverend James Field, we encounter the topic 'The Birds of Hope.' When Pope Benedict XVI stood before the United Nations, he referred to the anniversary of the International Declaration on Human Rights, calling for a conversion of hearts and a religious commitment to resist evil and promote justice. Advent is a fitting time to fold into our prayers all people in the world who suffer from the abuse of their rights and dignity.

There is a powerful memory shared by Erwino Gallino regarding a terrible regime where political prisoners were forbidden from smiling, singing, or even receiving drawings of butterflies or birds. A five-year-old girl once brought her father an approved drawing of bare trees, but the branches were covered in dozens of circles and half-circles. When her father wondered what they were, she whispered, 'They are eyes of the birds that I have smuggled in for you.' Those smuggled birds gave him hope.

## Seeking a just world

The Holy Father has written that we have the task of engaging in a new and onerous search for the right way to order human affairs. For Christians, this task is motivated by the hope drawn from the saving work of Jesus Christ. As you light the candles on your Advent wreath, consider how your Advent is going. In what way is God 'smuggling in the birds' to delight your heart and make you yearn for a more just world?

*The nights are dark, oh God, but I stand open to your light; lead me and guide me on your Advent way.*