FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Luke 1:26–38
Reflect
Meditating on the Annunciation, one aspect that is often overlooked is the presence of the Trinity. At Christmas it’s easy to focus on Christ and the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the kings, the angels and the shepherds. But at the moment of the Incarnation, there is a beautiful display of our Triune God. The greeting of God the Father (“the Lord”) is carried by the angel. The Virgin Mary is overshadowed by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the Word takes flesh in her womb. Mary, then, is the first to bask in the Trinity. At this moment, says St. Gregory the Wonderworker: “You, Mary, know things that the patriarchs and prophets were only vaguely aware of. You have learned, Virgin, things which were concealed till now even from the angels.” This is the long-awaited moment, the revelation of a message until now hidden
from even the holiest friends of God.
Pray
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the mystery of the Annunciation, grant us the grace to grow in our understanding of your divine nature. May we have the courage to entrust ourselves to your plan for our lives, just as the Virgin Mary did. Amen.
Live
Set up a Nativity scene today in your home. Take a moment to meditate on the figures of Mary and Joseph.
