The Annunciation finds its place in the last Gospel of Advent Sundays. Today, known as Love Sunday, we discover that God so loved the world that a Son was given, through a lowly handmaiden who was with the Lord and who said yes. This young woman looked beyond her fears and trusted the Love of God that was being entrusted to her. Can you imagine being greeted by an angel and told that you have found favour with God? That you are chosen to be the tabernacle for the Son of the Most High? That the Holy Spirit will overshadow you and the One to be born shall be called the Son of God?

Like David in the first reading from 2 Samuel, I might have protested that the House of God is lacking. Not Mary! She responds with a “Let it be done to me according to your word.” If this messenger knows about her cousin Elizabeth, then she knows the news must be possible. If Elizabeth can be home to a child who shall be holy, then perhaps Mary can too.

Where is Jesus in your life as we walk towards Bethlehem this week? Love came down that Christmas and pitched His tent amongst us. The Trinity looked down and knew the time was ripe. A Saviour was needed and at great peril, One-of-Three became Human while still Divine. We know no other Love like this: unconditional, incarnate, and infinite. This Love leapt from Heaven to Earth and walked amongst us, experiencing life as we know it–its joys, sorrows, temptations, frustrations, and wonders. Are you able to open your arms and take up this Wee One, to hold him and be transformed anew this Christmas?

There are no promises of an easy life, if you do. The angel departed after bearing this news and Mary must have felt some fear and awe on that road to Bethlehem. In the same breath, Love grew within, and that was all she needed. Love came down then. Love comes down now. Will you let the impossible happen with God?

Peace,

Suzanne