ADVENT

Advent, a time when Christians prepare for Christmas, reflects deeply on what is to come. From my European Lutheran upbringing, it shapes my worldview.

Though I’ve moved on, its influence remains. I believe in a man born in Bethlehem in the West Bank, from hidden love between an angel and his mother. I believe this man grew up in the shadow of empires, among fishermen and zealots. Today, I see his life resonating, from the refugees of Jerusalem and Saida to Gaza’s ruins. I believe his life was a quest for boundless love, shared with a woman eclipsed and defiled by men. I believe in his enduring presence.

Absentia in Latin means “to be far away”, not cease to exist. Resurrection’s symbol teaches this. In absence after his murder, he affirms that all —children, adults, men in battles, victims of familial murder— live on in our universe’s memory. They’re only absent from courts where their tormentors deserve judgment.

Advent highlights four moments in his life, seen from two women who gazed upon him gently. What follows this man? What follows the terror of empires ? Two millennia later, French poet Louis Aragon sings: “woman is the future of man”.

_ Milena Carbone