Luke 1, 26-38
December 24th, 2023 (4 Advent B)
“The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the seed of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary….
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God… Mary answered, “Here is the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word”.
As in any family, I have seen, as in previous years, the hustle and bustle in all the shopping centres as we prepare these days for the approaching festivities. One gets the impression that the crowds do not affect us too much. Ornaments, gifts, delicacies…. We like everything to be just right, nothing is missing. It seems that the success and happiness of this festive season depends on this preparation. The family get-together has to be the best of the year, despite the limitations and even if not everyone we would like to celebrate with can be there.
And I would like us not to forget that in this family gathering there is a very special person, who will be present if there is harmony, peace and love among everybody.
As we are on the threshold of Christmas, Mary, the young Mother, gives us the keys to this fruitful waiting: Do not be afraid…, you will conceive in your womb…, you will give birth to a son… Listen to the one sent by God, welcome his word, accept the message. Let it be done to me according to your word. And God becomes man in her.
In our preparation for Christmas, may we not forget the fundamental thing: may our hearts be ready to accept, welcome and love the one who makes himself present in our lives.
Happy Christmas to all!
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
Are you ready to accept, welcome and love the one who is present in our lives?
