December 24, 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT-B

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

Psalm 89

Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

“May it be done to me according to your word.”  Lk. 1:38

Lord, of all the words spoken throughout the history of the world are these not the most important?  After being assured that God was with her, and that nothing was impossible for him, Mary gave herself to him: body, mind and soul.  She gave up her future plans and her dream of a wonderful life with Joseph.  This “yes” contained an uncertain risk of rejection by Joseph, her family, shame from her community and even possible stoning by the self-righteous.  This future queen of heaven emptied herself and looked to heaven and said “be born in me”.    This faith, this love, and this strength can only come from your grace, O Lord.   On this final day of the season of Advent I thank you for the pilgrimage you and I have taken together over these few weeks.  I am grateful to you for helping me to be ready to rejoice at your birth so long ago.  I pray for the grace to each day to say with Mary, “may it be done to me according to your word.” Amen.