St. Bernard: "In the first coming Jesus was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty." It is this intermediate coming that we need to be attentive to in the present moment. In his first coming, there was "no room in the inn" of many hearts. So it is today. Christmas is no longer the celebration of his birth but a commercial, winter holiday. Only the ones, expecting his first coming and were preparing for it, were able to receive him. So it is today. He comes to those who desire him and are open to him. He comes to those who open their heart when he knocks. To the others, he passes by. Harken to his knock. Harken to his voice. And receive the joy of your hearts.