Humankind needs desperately to find this deeper meaning of Christmas which transforms people’s hearts and consequently their whole lives and relationships. This is the eternal mystery of Christmas, its great power and light, its everlasting gospel of love, unity and purity, its infinite joy and gladness. We must discover what it means that the kingdom of God was born on this earth as a little child, when the time was fulfilled.

Now that Christmas is past, we enter a new advent season – a time of holy expectation of a second Christmas, the birth of the Son of God in us, the birth of the kingdom of God for the whole world. We await the arrival of a new day, the beginning of a new age, a new time for humankind.

When in history has this been more urgent and more necessary than now? Anyone who is deeply concerned about the times cannot help feeling that the whole earth trembles and shakes under the immediate danger of terrible powers that are threatening to be unleashed. Humankind holds within its grasp the colossal energy and power to literally destroy all life upon planet Earth. Daily violence and bloodshed are a reality around the globe, while closer to home feelings of hatred and animosity are poured out upon those who are unwanted or looked down upon.

Into this situation bursts the power of expectation of the holy advent of a new day, the dawning of a new time, the coming of God’s love through his son, Jesus. We realize deep in our hearts that this is what happened two thousand years ago, “when the time was fulfilled” (Mark 1:15). This is the truth and essence of that which is to come. 

People’s hearts must be moved by this great moment, this direct action of God. We must be shaken loose from all our false supports, our evil ways; we must be roused from our sleep and stupor. Only then will we be able to hear the message of Advent and grasp the importance and significance of Christmas.

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