Advent, the Holy Spirit, and Our Mental Well-Being

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent draw a strong connection between Advent and the Holy Spirit. They show that the Spirit is the One who prepares the world for the coming of Christ and prepares our hearts for His presence today.

1. Advent and the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 11 describes the long-awaited Messiah as the “shoot from the stump of Jesse” upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests. Isaiah lists the Spirit’s gifts—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord—and shows how these gifts enable the Messiah to bring justice, fairness, and peace. The famous image of wolves and lambs living together symbolises the harmony the Spirit creates when God reigns. Psalm 72 reinforces this theme: when the Spirit guides the king, justice flourishes and peace fills the land. Advent is therefore a season not only of waiting, but of longing for the Spirit’s renewal of the world. In Romans 15, St Paul calls God the “God of endurance and encouragement,” a beautiful description of the Holy Spirit’s work. Paul prays that the Spirit will create harmony and unity among the Christian community so that they can praise God “with one voice.” Advent invites us to let the Spirit create that same harmony within us and among us.

Finally, in Matthew 3, John the Baptist prepares the people for Jesus, but he makes one thing very clear: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The coming of Christ is the coming of the Spirit. Advent is the time when the Church recognises that Christ’s arrival always brings a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit—purifying, healing, and renewing.

2. How the Holy Spirit Helps Our Mental and Emotional Health

The Holy Spirit who prepared the world for Christ also works gently and powerfully within our own lives. The Spirit’s gifts are not abstract; they touch our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and sense of inner stability.

• Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel and Might

The Spirit helps us see more clearly—whether it’s understanding our emotions, naming our struggles, or recognising what truly matters. This clarity is deeply supportive when we feel scattered or overwhelmed. The Spirit gives us the courage and strength to keep going—especially during anxiety, fatigue, or discouragement. The Spirit gives quiet resilience and the ability to make healthy decisions.

• Peace and Harmony

Isaiah’s vision of peace among animals that normally clash is also an image of interior harmony. The Spirit helps calm the inner conflicts, soften the harsh inner critic, and heal the tensions within our hearts.

• Encouragement and Hope

St Paul calls God the One who gives endurance and encouragement. The Spirit provides hope not by removing difficulties, but by assuring us that we are not alone and that healing is possible. Hope is essential for mental well-being.

• Healing Through Community

Paul emphasises unity and welcome. The Spirit builds relationships, fosters forgiveness, and strengthens community—things we all need when facing stress, loneliness, or emotional conflicts.

Opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit during Advent allows God to bring not only spiritual renewal but also gently improving our mental and emotional well-being.

Fr Jude Mukoro, MBACP, FHEA (Reflections on the Second Sunday of Advent, 2025)