Why focus on the blood in Advent? The 14-pointed star at the cave in Bethlehem: Jesus had his passion in view from the beginning. "The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45).

In order to give his blood, Jesus had to first take blood, assume a life that was fragile and could be violently poured out. A step of very great humility. He took flesh and blood in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

Blood forms a kinship bond. "I've got Irish blood." "He's got royal blood." "She's my blood sister." "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death" (Heb 2:14). We all have Jesus' blood, we are literally his blood brothers and sisters!