“MARY” CHRISTMAS
A Blessed 4th Sunday of Advent to you! Today is Christmas Eve & in a few hours, we will celebrate Christmas – the Nativity of the Lord. It will be a great day of celebration and rejoicing for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. Greetings of “Merry Christmas” fill the air, uniting us & our family with the love, joy & happiness we share this Christmas time.
The Scriptures in our Liturgy today also look towards Christmas, with the focus, not on being ‘Merry’, but on MOTHER MARY, the Ark of God’s Covenant. In our First Reading, God established a covenant with King David that his House, Sovereignty & Throne would stand secure & last forever (cf 2 Sam 7:16). This is fulfilled perfectly in Jesus, who is given the throne of his ancestor David in a reign that will have no end (cf Luke 1:32-33), as declared by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary on the Annunciation in today’s Gospel.
Through Mary’s humility & obedience to the Lord’s will, she conceived Jesus and gave birth to the Saviour. She cooperated fully with God, so that God, who loves us so much, could give us His own Beloved Son (cf John 3:16).
Besides being the Mother of God by the Incarnation of Jesus, Mary is also the perfect disciple of the Lord & a role model for all of us to emulate. So, as we celebrate Christmas & move into the new year 2024, what are some attitudes of Mary that we can follow so that we can stay connected & close to Jesus?
We can look at 4 key moments & 4 actions in Mother Mary’s life to gain some insight into how we can follow her example:
1. FIAT – “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” (Luke 1:38). Mary said “Yes” to God’s will her whole life. And not only at the Annunciation – also in her giving birth in a manger, the flight to Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple and His suffering, crucifixion & death. Throughout her life, she remain docile & surrendered to God’s will.
Can we, in humility & docility of heart, also say “Yes” to God’s will in our lives? Can our hearts be open to let God’s Word come alive in our lives?
2. MAGNIFICAT – ‘And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.”’(Luke 1:46-47). Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting was to praise & glorify the Lord. Her heart & mind was always set on worshipping God.
Can we follow Mary’s example in giving praise, glory & thanks to God in every situation? Even in difficult times?
3. CONSERVABAT – ‘Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.’ (Luke 2:19). Mary was a woman of deep contemplation & prayer. She pondered over the experiences she had, remained in awe & wonder at the Lord’s action & guidance in her life & treasured them in her heart.
Do we take the time to reflect on events in our lives & on how God is working in these situations & speaking to us?
4. STABAT – ‘Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother …’ (John 19:25). Mary stood near Jesus at the Cross. In Christ’s deepest hour of agony, Mary stood by Him. Although in grief & in sorrow, she remained resolutely with Jesus to the very end!
Can we, like Mary, stand with Jesus in the face of sin, trials & sufferings with courage & trust? Or do we just throw up our arms in despair, lose faith, bolt & run away?
If the above 4 attitudes & actions seems too challenging, take heart! Let the words of Archangel Gabriel “Nothing is impossible to God” (cf Luke 1:37) give you the assurance & confidence that you can do it. Let the grace of the season, the power of the Eucharist & Our Lady’s loving prayers for you fill your heart & life this holy season. A Merry & “Mary” Christmas.