Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
On this final Sunday before Christmas our attention is directed to Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth. I am reminded of the beautiful creche scene at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church: the baby Jesus lies in the crib with hands outstretched in love and welcome. Those hands reach out to all, especially children who anticipate the joy and gifts of Christmas, and to all those who sing God’s praises in their hearts.
As we imagine the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, we are reminded that each knew that God was with them, “Emmanuel.” This visitation was rich with joy, faith, and the mystery of the hand of God in their lives. The visit of Mary to Elizabeth is not just a “visit,” it is an unexpected act of love and care, a celebration of God’s promise fulfilled.
It is also a call to trust in God’s providence. They recognize and rejoice in the moving and sometimes hidden ways that God comes—with surprise and challenge. Mary and Elizabeth, at that moment, could not see how this fulfillment of God’s promise would unfold in their lives. Those open arms of the baby Jesus in the creche will again be open on the cross. And John’s leap of joy will find completion as he gives his life in witness to our Savior.
As we approach this blessed Nativity, some of the words from the hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem remind us of the loving truth of our Christmas mystery:
But in this world of sin/where meek souls will receive him still/the dear Christ enters in./ O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
Len Kraus, S.J.
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