The gospel for today could be summed up as “joyful expectation.” We can see joy and expectation in Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary and John’s reaction to Jesus. John leaps for joy in recognition of his cousin, and Elizabeth recognizes that Mary has an incredibly special role in the plan of salvation. Her knowledge of Mary’s role could only have come from a direct message from God, for no one else was privy to the heavenly visit Mary had received. Imagine the conversations Mary and Elizabeth engaged in.

The conversation between these women was probably not just about the joy of coming motherhood but one of faith. Mary had given an emphatic, if not a bit bewildered, yes to becoming the Mother of God, an act of extreme faith for a girl in her early to mid-teens. Elizabeth had conceived after many years of disappointment. Both thanked God for their conditions and the gifts they carried that would change the world. They shared the faith in what God could do.

As Christmas approaches, do we share what this means? Do we wish each other a Merry Christmas, a hug or two, and then rush to the car to get out of the parking lot as fast as possible? Or do we take the time to discuss what the Christ child’s incarnation means in our lives? It’s just food for thought after a year of difficulty and division. Do we have joyful expectations of Christmas, or see it as another year has passed?

Let Us Pray:

Father, as we prepare to celebrate your Son’s coming, help us to set aside our differences and greet each other in peace and friendship, welcoming each other and Christ into our homes and hearts. Amen.