4th Sunday of Advent

On this 4th Sunday of Advent, with the celebration of Christ’s birth only hours away, the Church offers us once again the story of the Annunciation.  Mary’s “Fiat” allowed God to become one of us; it also showed us the way to be a faithful disciple of the Lord as Mary was.  What the angel announced to Mary speaks of three gifts that her Son has given to us through our life with Him in Baptism.

First, we are freed from fear.  The Baby was born to offer His life on the Cross for us and so we need no longer fear sin nor death for He has conquered both of them for us.  God’s message to us is always, “Do not be afraid.”

Second, the Lord is with us.  The Holy Spirit dwells within us and desires to lead us and guide us each day.  Jesus is always present to us in the Eucharist, as well as in our gathering in prayer in His name and in the presence of those in our midst who are in need.  Jesus indeed is Emmanuel – “God with us.”

Third, we are blessed.  The Lord God offers us all we need to live a holy life so that we be happy with God forever in heaven.  God’s greatest gift to us is God’s Son and with Jesus, fully human and divine, comes everything we could hope for or want.

What do we offer to God in return for all the Lord has given us?  One thing only: ourselves, which we surrender to God in humble service.  Like Mary, we go before God as willing servants, ready to do whatever is asked at any time.  Sometimes this may entail suffering and pain, as it did Mary at times.  But more often, it will bring a peace beyond all understanding and a joy that would never be ours otherwise.

Later tonight we will celebrate again God’s greatest gift: Jesus the Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.  We offer once more the one gift that is ours to give: our very lives, given in gratitude to our God, Emmanuel, who is God with us, Jesus, the Baby born in Bethlehem, who saves us.