Advent IV [C] (Dec 23) Micah 5:1-4, Hebr. 10:5-10    Luke 1:39-45

Repeated prophecies about the coming of a Messiah abounds in the sacred writings. But these prophesies were shrouded in obscurity. A clear picture of the Messiah is  given in about 700 BC by  prophet Mica. We listened to his description in the First reading. The reading clearly says that the Savior will be born in Bethlehem. Basing on this the Jewish leaders were able to inform Herod when he was searching for Jesus that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

Why did God send prophets announcing the coming of the Savior ? For the same reason we reserve rooms in a hotel when we go on a tour- so that we may get enough room to stay. So that our purpose may be achieved without difficulty. But we know in spite of proclaiming in advance of the coming of the Savior, the bible says that he did not have room even in an inn. When we hear about that we feel very sorry about that situation. We wish if we had been there we would definitely have given him room in our home.

The church keeps three or four weeks of advent so that we may prepare well for the coming of the Savior. But does Jesus really get a warm welcome at the end of our preparations ? Well, this email which supposedly have been sent by Jesus will reveal the truth.

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the Celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face.... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus".  As if the party were in his honor! At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party. See you soon.

Love You Always!

Jesus

Do you think this imaginary email from Jesus is close to any reality of our celebrations ? If we think so, still there are two days left for us to change our mind and get down to earnest preparation which would really get Jesus in the celebration. Let Christ be the center of our Christmas. He is the reason for this season. Let’s not celebrate this feast as a holiday, but a holy day when the Son of God came down to earth and dwelt in my heart.