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Sunday, December 22, 2002

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Fourth Sunday of Advent


2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Luke 1:26-38

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"mary" christmas?

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.' " —Luke 1:38

Before the first Christmas, Mary prayed: "May it be done to me according to Your word" (Lk 1:38). The effects of this prayer were:

  • The Holy Spirit came upon Mary (Lk 1:35).
  • She became pregnant by a miracle of the Holy Spirit.
  • Mary became the mother of God.
  • She was in danger of being divorced by her husband, Joseph (Mt 1:19; Dt 22:21-23).
  • She was in danger of being stoned or strangled as punishment for adultery (see Mt 1:19).
  • She had her baby in a stable (Lk 2:7).
  • She suffered many other sorrows and even witnessed her Son's execution by crucifixion.
  • She was taken to heaven to be Queen of heaven and earth.

Before this Christmas, we need to pray with Mary: "May it be done to me according to Your word" (Lk 1:38). The effects of this prayer will be:

  • We will repent and forgive.
  • We will meet Christ in a deep and personal way this Christmas.
  • Our lives will change.
  • We will tell people about Jesus and His love.
  • We will be persecuted.
  • We'll be awed by Christ's love and surprised at His works.
  • We will become servants, even slaves, of Christ (see Lk 1:38 in Greek).

Pray with Mary as Mary prayed before the Incarnation. "Mary" Christmas!

Prayer:  Father, may I love You as Mary does.

Promise:  "I will be a Father to him, and he shall be a son to Me." —2 Sm 7:14

Praise:  "O come, Desire of nations."

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002