Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and
said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” Mary was troubled at these words,
wondering what this greeting could mean. But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God
has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus.
He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give
him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and
his reign shall have no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a
virgin?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the
Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called
Son of God. Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age,
although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month.
With God nothing is impossible.” Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of
the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
READ: In the first reading, God promises David that he will establish his kingdom and
his royal line forever. This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, a birth announced
by the angel Gabriel in today’s Gospel. in his Letter to the Romans, Paul explains that
Jesus’ birth is part of God’s plan for our salvation and the cause of our joy.
REFLECT: Our time of preparation and anticipation is almost over. The Lord is near.
For what are we waiting? David waits for confirmation that his royal line would be
secure and long-lasting. Many of the people of Mary’s time waited for a military leader
who would overthrow the Roman occupation and bring a return to Israel’s glory days.
We may be waiting for our family celebrations and the present exchange. But the
true gift, the gift of inestimable value, is the gift of eternal life that Christ brings to
those who believe in him. Though our Advent is almost over, our wait continues. We
will continue to wait, to prepare, and to long for the day when our earthly journey
will be completed and we will see God face to face.
PRAY: Lord, make us ready to receive you.
ACT: Take a moment of silence in the midst of the bustle to give thanks to God.
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