December 22nd, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Mary responded to the Annunciation by traveling in haste to visit her relative, Elizabeth, in person. Elizabeth was now six months into a highly unlikely pregnancy. According to St. Luke’s account of this visit, Mary came with no wrapped presents, but with only an unwrapped heart and a comforting  presence. Elizabeth was so touched that at the very sight of Mary, her baby John the Baptist leaped for joy in her womb. One can only imagine that Jesus also leaped for joy in his mother’s womb as he recognized the sound and movement of his forerunner. The bottom line of this sacred encounter: in the meeting of these holy women -- these two surprisingly expectant mothers -- something divine happens. Here is a wonderful truth that comes to life in Advent. God is always bringing to life something in our lives that has a joyous, sort of leaping quality about it. Mary and Elizabeth show us that a simple visit -- where the most meaningful gift is a little care and concern -- can help dreams leap forward into birth. This is the message of Christmas: that God has visited us in Christ and made our dreams for eternal life come true.