This Liturgical time of Advent presents us all with the opportunity to open our hearts to the Lord's coming and awakens our desire to encounter the One who simply awaits to be recognised, longed for and accepted.

God wants to come into a world that is his, but at the same time encourages human collaboration and mediation. That is how it was two thousand years ago; it continues to be so for each one of us this year. The Word of God constantly searches to become incarnate, to be born again and give witness in the world.

He needs us, but does not impose himself. He simply asks to be longed for and waits patiently to establish His dwelling in us because God lives wherever He is allowed to enter.

We all know what it is to be desired and longed for by another person ­ how it floods our life with joy.

We realise deep down the intimate link created between the searcher and the sought after, even before the encounter takes place. Likewise, what sadness and delusion when nobody searches and nobody awaits. The human person lives in expectation.

There is Someone who has always loved us, who accepts us without preconditions, just as we are; who searches for us, even if we are uninterested and who desires to enter where He is present already. To open ourselves to Him is the fullness of life and a great "celebration" for Him. We need not to be afraid, need not flee, but rather journey inward where He awaits us: "Listen, I stand at the door and knock" (Rev. 3,10).

He asks to be received and heard, just as Mary did at Bethany. All He asks us for is to freely give a little of our time, breaking with the routine; to create sufficient space for silent interiority in order to attend his Word so that it can become the unifying and divinizing centre of our lives. "From the moment in which the Word became flesh, all flesh has the potential to become that Word".

Brothers and Sisters: Are we really waiting for Somebody or are we satisfied to fill the void with possessions and activities?

It is my wish that this Christmas may purify and revive within us the spiritual energy to await this profound encounter with God who comes to us.

At the same time, let each of us await for and be gift to one another, especially for so many brothers and sisters who are disillusioned or marginalized and no longer expect anyone. In this way, we will be similar to God who "welcomes those whom nobody awaits!".

God needs each one of us if he is to be born again in such hearts; to light in them an unquenchable joyous flame: "Don't be afraid! For I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to people: "This very night in David's town your Saviour was born...". (Lk 2,10).

Let us joyfully live this moment and this expectation.

"I am indeed coming soon! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev 22,30).

This is my heartfelt desire for you this Christmas and for the gift of a New Year.

Prot. n.087704

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Created / Updated Monday, December 7, 1998 at 20:32:42
by John Abela ofm for Communications Office - Rome
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