Vatican City - "Christ is the peace and serenity that the people of our time are seeking", declared John Paul II in a meditation in preparation for Christmas.

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight",Lk 3:4 became the main theme of the message of Advent, liturgical period in preparation for Jesus' birth. Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome.

Advent is an invitation "to go out and meet Christ, who is coming to save us," he said. "We also hear it in our time, while humanity continues on its path through history," the Pope added. "He shows the way that must be traveled, to the people of the third millennium in search of serenity and peace."

"At the same time, we dispose ourselves to recognize him present in our midst: In fact, he also visits us in persons and in daily events," he continued.