FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

ANTICIPATING CHRISTMAS JOY

In few hours, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, born at Bethlehem. Today’s first reading presents a prophecy about Bethlehem, a small town of Judea. This little and insignificant town became popular because it was the hometown of King David. It was this small town that God chose to be the place of birth of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ.

The gospel reading narrates the story of the visitation. The story seems to be an encounter of two pregnant women, Elizabeth and Mary. But it was in fact a meeting between two unborn children: Jesus and John. Thus, John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb at the greeting of Jesus’ mother. It was a beautiful moment. The child rejoices because he is the herald of Jesus the Messiah. He has been privileged to witness the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. His joy describes the joy of God’s people when He visits them: yes, God has visited his people. Christmas is indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises; it is God coming among his people. Christmas is the time of God’s visitation in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this perspective, we may well understand the second reading which speaks of the total submission and obedience of Jesus Christ to his Father. He has come to do the will of God his Father. And the will of God is to give joy, peace and salvation to his people.

How prepared are we to welcome Jesus who is coming to give us joy and fulfillment? How well prepared are we to meet God who is coming to visit us? Is it a matter of having what to eat, drink and wear on Christmas day? Or rather making our hearts ready to receive him and to share the Christmas joy with others? May God bless and keep our hearts ready to welcome him in joy.
Amen.