What are you expecting for Christmas this year? When we were children we had our lists of things that we hoped to receive. Having outgrown the mentality of associating Christmas only with receiving all kinds of presents, must we also lose our sense of expectation? On the contrary, it should be increased, yet transformed. But first we need to examine our hearts to make sure that our expectations are aimed in the right direction.
At the basis of an expectant attitude is the hope for something new, something that will revive us in our weariness, that will bring us joy and peace in the midst of the sorrows and troubles that are the common lot of the children of Adam and Eve. Perhaps at times we feel like we just can’t summon enough energy to meet the demands of the Christmas season. For many, especially those without family, friends, a special someone to love them—or those who have the wrong kinds of expectation—this is a time of darkness and depression. Yet Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Is the common approach to Christmas lacking something vital?
For a number of political, economic, and religious reasons, there is a mournful shroud of darkness over much of the world today. Many people hardly dare to hope that something new could break forth, that a Sun of Righteousness could rise over the bleak horizon with healing in his wings (Malachi 3:20). But lo, something marvelously, incredibly new has i
ndeed appeared and has radically changed the meaning of life for all time to come. And, like the air we breathe, it is always there but rarely noticed, rarely acknowledged as something without which we cannot live.
The Light from Light, the Incarnate Son, has scattered the gloom of a chilly Judean cave, has given unspeakable joy to a loving Mother, an awestruck foster-father, newly enlightened shepherds, and God-seeking wise men. “The light shines on in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Here, then, is where to direct our expectation, here is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to make all things new. It happened, and nothing can change that. It is happening now—not again, but still—in the Liturgy, in our hearts, in our deepest longing for happiness, for holiness. In the barrenness of wasted years and shattered dreams, behold, a Child is born, a Son is given to us (Isaiah 9:5).
Now is the time for prayer and fasting, for longing to find within ourselves that secret place where the mystery of Christ unfolds. We must begin anew to fulfill our God-given and deeply human need to worship—I mean falling down before the Lord as if we were shepherds who have just seen a vision of angels and the glory of God! If we do not seek the Lord we will not find Him, and we will fall prey to every specious claim to the superiority of human wisdom (or of do-it-yourself spirituality) over authentic divine revelation.
We need to desire a genuine encounter with God this Christmas. If we think our desire for God has dried up, then let us desire to desire Him! Only never lose heart, never give up the search. Let us contemplate the Virgin Mary contemplating her Son, and come to know the secret of her joy, of the peace that passes understanding. Let us dare to hope for new beginnings, lighting a candle in the night and waiting with eager longing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. “My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchmen for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord” (Psalm 129/130:6-7).
