The theme of Advent is the coming of the Lord, the approach of the King coming from a distance. The four weeks move toward the coming of the Christ. This period is filled not only with somber reflection and penitential preparation, but also with festive anticipation. ‘Lift up your heads for your redemption is at hand!’ (Luke 21.28)
‘Art thou who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ Matt. 11.13)
‘And all mankind shall see the salvation of God!’ (Luke 3.6)

The unfolding of the Mariam mystery is included insofar as it has an advent character. Again and again the prayers and longing of the Chosen People are heard together with the obscure prophecy of their greatest prophet: ‘Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above! Let the earth open and salvation bud forth: the Saviour and Lord!’ (Is. 45.8)

Permeating everything, however, and above all else, the call to penance by St. John the Baptist resounds: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!’ (Matt 3.2)

All the texts, both of Christmas and Advent, show that a twofold appearance is indicated: the coming of Christ in the flesh and his coming at the final judgement. The two Epiphanies are joined together insofar as the messianic day of judgement begins at Christmas.
‘Now is the judgement of the world; now will the prince of the world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.’ (John 12.3)

The advent of Christ places his second coming in mysterio. His death and his resurrection, however, realise in obscurity what his Parousia unveils to the whole world—the Lord is the Victor. And as Victor he is, therefore, Judge and Saviour.