Advent is a time when we see the fulfilment of many of the Old Testament incidents and prophecies that the early Church saw as pointing to Christ.

In the first reading, King Balak had hired Balaam, a prophet, to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam pronounced a blessing. In the course of his several oracles, this last blessing has been taken as referring to the coming of Messiah.

Balaam extols the glory of Israel's presence in the land - not exactly what Balak had paid him to say. Balaam's prophecy about a star advancing from Jacob saw the rising of an outstanding person from the tribe of Jacob who would be a great leader.

The 'star' is the assurance that God will be faithful to His promise to Israel that they will inherit the land despite Moabite opposition. God has and will always guide His people.

We come to a point in our life where we must decide how we shall live. During Advent, this issue focuses on the meaning of the Incarnation. Does the fact that God became a human being have any real-world consequences for my life and spirituality? God came to transform lives and bring new fire into people's hearts.