1. We are beginning Advent, and once again hope is born on the horizon. In the background, getting light already, Christmas. A peaceful Christmas, intimate, peaceful, fraternal, solidary, embodied; Also superficial, torn, violent... But always coexisting with hope. Rejoice and leap with joy. Put on your best suit. Put on the most expensive perfumes. Let it show! God is coming... Prepare the way. Now comes our Savior. Awaken to life! Florentino Ulibarri

2. With this Proclamation of Advent we begin these four weeks which prepare us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is happening at the same time as the opening of the Jubilee year of mercy. Mixed feelings, events, dreams and desires... We look forward for the "arrival" of the Lord WHO IS ALREADY HERE, who lives within us, surprises us, who comes to meet us… Each Sunday of Advent brings us closer to the big celebration. Let us prepare our heart with the desire to "let it show! God is coming".

3. “Be always on the watch, and pray continuously, so you can be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” Lk 21, 25-28-34-36

4. Living awake, paying attention to the reality of the world that surrounds us, "our common home", seeking ways not to remain aloof from it. Awakening in every person solidarity, compassion, resonating with the Lord of History. Being on the watch… living awake…

5. Awaken the inner look, to discover HIM in the people with whom we relate: family, friends, fellow students or workmates, and see them with mercy, which is "the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life." (Misericordiae Vultus. Pope Francis) Living awake, with our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus who is coming.

6. Living awake putting the heart in the everyday adventure. Knowing how to perceive what is good in each person, bringing a word of consolation to the poor. Waking our creativity to make small gestures that make others happy. "... Do not miss out on a kind word, a smile, or any small gesture that sows peace and friendship“ (Laudato Si, Pope Francis).

7. Come, Lord Jesus! Awaken our slumbering heart! Text: Mariela Peña Kipper, rscj