Fourth Sunday in Advent

 

The past four Sundays of Advent have been a time of preparation and hope. As we enter the celebration of Christmas, Mary and Elizabeth’s example of faith and obedience to God leads us to see beyond our vision and limitations to welcome God among us.  These weeks of Advent have been a preparation to encounter Jesus. We must ask ourselves if we are prepared for Jesus to encounter us. Throughout history, God offered us signs to reassure us that God would not abandon his promise to David and his descendants. The Angel Gabriel comes to Mary with the news that she has found favour with God and will bear a son who will be called Emmanuel. Mary answered “yes” to God. This “yes” becomes the focus of our lives as people of faith. Christmas is not about what gifts we receive but Who we receive as a part of our life. Jesus brings us new life, new hope, and new joy!

God so loves that world that he sent his only son to be our Savior!

This is Christmas. How have we prepared ourselves to receive him and how have we prepared ourselves to be received by him? For this reason, Christmas is not just a one-day celebration but a season.