Tonight, the Church utters these words at Evening Prayer:

“O Root of Jesse, you arise as a sign for all mankind, before you all the kings will fall silent, and to you all nations will cry out: Come, Lord, O come to save us, and do not delay.” —Magnificat antiphon for December 19

Winters can be brutal. The cold and darkness create a vibe of sadness and longing for old memories that warmed our hearts. In our home office, I have photos of friends and family who have died. I have them pinned to my wall so that each morning, I can remember them in my prayers. Here’s a photo of one special friend: Guido.

In 2002, during my college years at San Francisco State University, I visited Saint Stephen Parish for the first time. The church sits right next to the university, and there I encountered Guido, who immediately made me feel welcome. He enthusiastically recounted the history of the pipe organ, which had been installed a few short years prior. A labor of love, the organ’s casing was built by members of the parish, and Guido and his brother, Ernie, had donated the Oboe rank. Guido spent his retired years as a dedicated, full-time volunteer sacristan.

A fast friendship blossomed, and Guido soon became my guide on tours throughout the Archdiocese. We explored various pipe organs and all types of church buildings. These adventures were accompanied by meaningful conversations over coffee at Starbucks. It was precisely the kind of shared experience I needed in my young adult life.

If my memory serves me right, the picture on the left was a photo he asked me to take of him a few years ago for his Christmas card. I was with him when he bought that alb. He was proud to be a sacristan and honored to serve at the altar.

My final day with Guido, just before he left this world, is etched in my memory. Watching him surrender to the arms of God was heartbreaking. He modeled a unique blend of kindness and warmth that anchored me during my young adult years. The very foundation of my life’s perspective and personal values rests on the subtle, everyday wisdom he shared.

This season of Advent brings a moving opportunity to reflect on my roots, the people who formed who I am today.

The father of King David, Jesse, is the reference for today’s antiphon. The Jesse Tree is a traditional symbol of the House of David and the lineage of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of Isaiah states that the Messiah will emerge from the roots of this tree.

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit” (Isaiah 11:1-3).

This sprouting occurs in the profound silence of creation. It sprouts on a silent night. The sprouting represents the deep roots of God’s abiding promise. The birth of Jesus is God’s ultimate surprise at the heart of winter.

The Spirit calls us to dig deep during the spiritual winters of our lives, waiting patiently in restful hope. The Spirit of God will rest upon the Savior, reminding us that God’s perfect timing unfolds within our imperfect time.

Come, O Root of Jesse, bud forth.