We are now in the fourth and last Sunday of Advent but kind of short because in two days, we will be celebrating Christmas, the reason of our preparation that was resonated by the entire Advent season.
Our gospel this Sunday relates to the visit of Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth, who lived approximately 80-100 miles from her town in Nazareth to the hill country of Judah. You can imagine how many days she traveled, probably by foot or joining a caravan. No wonder she was in haste. She was in a rush to reach the destination so she could share the joy for all the marvelous things God had done for her and her cousin, Elizabeth, and we see how they complemented each other. However, Elizabeth gave Mary more recognition, not only as her cousin happy for her visit, but also as the mother of her Lord. She called her blessed among women as she was chosen by God to be the mother of His only Son.
We sometimes hear that haste does make waste. But in the case of Mary, there was no waste. All were grace.
Maybe some of us are still in haste in our preparations, obligations and deadlines associated with the Christmas season. I hope it does not drain us or make us forget the reason for the Christmas season that it is more than a function. It is about a person, about relationships and missions. It is about Jesus being born with us. And His Father is sharing with us to show how He loved us so much through our Blessed Mother. The greatest story ever told: “For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son…” (Jn. 3,16)
I hope you come to appreciate this beautiful gift for us this Christmas. I wish you all a beautiful Christmas this year with your families, and wishing you and your families the grace and the opportunity to make Christmas beautiful for others as well! Think about it: There were people who were with us last Christmas that are no longer with us this Christmas. And, there are people who are with us this Christmas who may no longer be with us next Christmas. So why don’t we make this Christmas the best Christmas ever yet, to God, to our family and loved ones, to people around us, and to our very selves.
Merry Christmas Everyone!