Recall that silent, holy night

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God comes to us in a very personal and intimate way as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. The angel of God appeared to Mary in her home. They engaged in a conversation as friends because Mary had a deep relationship with God. Mary then gives her "yes" to God and ready to do His will without any hesitation on her part because, from her deep relationship with God, she trusted Him completely.

This is the encounter and relationship that we have been preparing ourselves for during this Advent season. While we waited, we were not idle but intentional in our prayers, in receiving the Sacraments, in our interactions with others, and in living out the virtues of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith in our lives. This period of waiting and preparation comes to its climax on Christmas day when we celebrate the Incarnation - the Word of God made flesh for our salvation - just as the Nativity of the climax of Mary and Saint Joseph's period of waiting and preparation for the birth of their Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While the world is busying itself with last minute gift ideas, wrapping, and planning Christmas parties and gatherings, let us take a deep, cleansing breath and recall that silent, holy night so many years ago when our Lord and our God was born. Allow that to fill our hearts and our homes this Christmas with hope, peace, joy, and love.

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Gospel of the Day

In the sixth month,

the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.