Fourth Week of Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Trust in God and in yourself. Joseph, Elizabeth and Mary received messages that were hard to accept: The Son of God would be brought into the world with Mary as the sacred vessel. What fear, what incredulity must have filled them as they adjusted to their role in making this miracle of the Word enfleshed a reality. Miracles can happen in our lives too if we take to heart the angel's words: "Nothing is impossible with God."

DECEMBER 17 (Gn 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17) Celebrate family ties. Though it can be tiresome to listen to so many names unfamiliar to us, today's list of Jesus' ancestors provides reflective time to meditate on our own family heritage. As the names of the men and women in today's Gospel flow out, allow the rhythm of the words to sweep you back into memories of your own family. Look for the positive things from your family that give you identity.

DECEMBER 18 (Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-24) Thank a father today. Today's is Joseph's Gospel, one of the few where this unassuming man takes center stage. Of course, being central to the story is all about moving out of the limelight. A just, humble man, Joseph has descendants in all the holy fathers around us. Today, do something special for your father, your husband or a man who epitomizes Christian fatherhood.

DECEMBER 19 (Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25; Lk 1:5-25) Be open to surprises. Two barren women, Samson's mother and Elizabeth, no doubt had given up on motherhood. Their own and their husbands' stance of openness conditioned them to hearing, and believing, the incredible news from an angel-"terrible indeed." Be hopeful, stay open to surprising visitations and good news in your life.

DECEMBER 20 (Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38) Be an agent for good. Mary's "Let it be done to me as you say" could imply a passive attitude toward the inevitable in life. Troubled by the messenger's announcement, Mary questioned, then cooperated with the plan for salvation. Not passivity but contemplation allowed her to declare herself a free agent of the Lord. Like Mary, we are called to hear and reflect on the word of God, then to act on it.

DECEMBER 21 (Sng 2:8-14; Lk 1:39-45) Be present to a loved one. Class reunions and family reunions for those who hardly know each other can be tedious, but reunions between those who deeply love one another and have been apart bring only joy. Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth caused baby John to leap for joy inside her. Take time today to surprise a distant loved one with a pre-Christmas call, card or e-mail.

DECEMBER 22 (1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56) Sing a hymn of praise. Mary's canticle acknowledges the wonderful things that God did in her life. Though not as historic as the "great things" done in Mary, each of us has received special graces this season. Take time to enumerate these visitations from God and to give thanks.

DECEMBER 23 (Mal 3:1-4, 4:5-6; Lk 1:57-66) Spread your joy around. How happy Elizabeth's friends and relatives were when John was born. Their joy culminated in a gathering for his naming on the eighth day. These days before Christmas should be filled with joy and anticipation, but too often we and our frazzled friends get crabby and short-tempered. Be an instrument of good cheer today.

CHRISTMAS EVE (2 Sm 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Lk 1:67-79) Walk in peace. Our Advent journey is ended. Like Zechariah, if we reflect on what God has done for us, we will spill out songs of praise. A faithful God will never forsake us, for we have entered into a covenant that demands faithfulness on our part and on God's. Dark days notwithstanding, God promises to be a Dayspring to us. One door has closed but another bursts open as we move confidently in the way of peace.