The 4th of the candles on the Advent wreath has been lighted, but only briefly for the 4th Sunday in Advent is also Christmas eve day this year. As a result we miss out on the fullness of the 4th week Advent to prepare the way of the Lord in time, at the end of time, and in our hearts. Yet the glory of the coming of Christ at Christmas is not diminished, his continuing presence is ever true and ever hopeful.
Our readings set the scene for what is to come, or rather who is to come. St. Paul in the 2nd reading speaks of the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages: the salvation of all nations and peoples in Christ born in Bethlehem. The 1st reading from the Book of Samuel identifies the Savior’s heritage and lineage as being of the House of David whose kingdom will endure forever. The Lord tells King David “I will raise up your heir after you and he shall be a son to me”. This promise kept secret for long ages is fulfilled when the Archangel Gabriel comes to Mary. By the power of the Holy Spirit – “You shall conceive in your womb and bear a son.” In Christ the prophecies are fulfilled, the Son of God humbles himself to become one with us in Bethlehem.
Mary’s faithfulness is essential to God’s plan. Some children were asked why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. One raised his hand and said, “Because his mother was there.” How innocently true. How essential was her response to the angel and how essential is her presence ever since.
One person wrote that Mary could say yes because she had a “hunch of faith”, hopefulness clouded in mystery. In her heart she knew that God could be trusted, that the power of the most high would always embrace her even if she in her humanity did not always understand. When she asked the legitimate question how can this be, the angel spoke the key words of faith: “nothing will be impossible for God.”
The Annunciation detailed in the Gospel of Luke is so familiar to us that its radical impact can be overlooked. As one scholar put it, “Never has faith surrender (as did Mary when she said yes) meant so much.”
The consequences of her answer to God’s call to her were profound. One commentator suggested the greatest challenge of being a disciple of Christ is to say yes to the call of God to go where we would rather not.
Mary’s life and that of Joseph were changed in ways neither could have anticipated. Through Christ and his mission the world would be changed forever. No wonder she asked how can this be and pondered its meaning. The angel reassured her, ‘be not afraid for you have found favor with God.’ Her response was “I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me” as God wills.
We too ask the question: how can this be when our challenges come or we are asked to change. Many are asking how can this be with the barbaric terrorism and persecution of Christians around the world, with accidents and natural calamities, with violence in our streets and in so many homes, with racial and other discrimination, and with heart-wrenching sickness. I know personally the sadness of separated loved ones missed which is especially poignant this time of year. Most sad is that those who preach the culture of death would not acknowledge Jesus in the womb of Mary was a life. How can this be is a natural human response.
The angel’s words to Mary can give us comfort. Gabriel said, ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you.’ Some scholars tell us that in the original language ‘hail’ might better be translated as “rejoice” – Rejoice Mary. Some scholars also tell us that full of grace might better be translated as beloved, loved by God. Rejoice Mary, you are loved by God.
We too can rejoice for you and I are loved by God made real in the birth of Christ and his death on the cross. His resurrection is the answer to our doubts and wonderments.
Like Mary we are invited to incredible things when we allow God to touch our lives in His way. We too need to have a hunch of faith to believe that God the most high will embrace us, that God will give us the strength to meet the challenges we face. The angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid”. Neither need we be afraid.
A little boy was visiting the home of an elderly woman and noticed a wall hanging with the words: “God sees me.” It conjured up the familiar lines about Santa Claus – he knows when you’ve been good or bad. The woman said to the boy, “some people will tell you that God is watching you to see when you are doing wrong. But every time you see these words, ‘God sees me’, I would rather you remember that God loves you so much that he cannot take his eyes off of you. Then you will want to do what pleases him.”
Mary is the model of doing what is pleasing to God. The birth of Jesus is the proof that God loves you and each of us as much. So much that his mercy and forgiveness are ever available when we own up and change our lives to do what pleases him.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI beautifully set forth the significance of Mary’s yes to God’s plan for her and the world. He wrote: “At a crucial time in history, Mary offered herself, her body and soul, to God as a dwelling place. In her and from her the Son of God took flesh. Through her the Word became flesh. Thus, it is Mary who tells us what Advent is: going forth to meet the Lord who comes to meet us; waiting for him, listening to him, looking at him. Mary tells us why church buildings exist: they exist so that room may be made within us for the Word of God, so that within us and through us the Word may also be made flesh today.”
His love is what the Advent candles light our way toward. Whether we will encounter him is up to us. We have only a few more hours to go out to meet the Lord. May we use them well. And may your Christmas celebration be one of joy, of peace and of hope; a time when the Most High envelopes you and those you love.
Come Lord Jesus and Merry Christmas.