In this season of Advent as we eagerly await the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is a joyful yearning in our heart, a longing that is intensified as we count down the days till Christmas. This waiting, yearning and rejoicing is portrayed in the first reading, depicting the union of God with his people. In today’s Gospel proclamation we see Mother Mary and Elizabeth greet each other and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit proclaims a profound truth “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises!” Mother Mary is a beautiful example of someone holding onto God’s word. Even when things are dark, even when things do not go the way she anticipated, she holds onto the word she was given, and it bears fruit. Advent is the season where God assures his people that winter will soon be over. In the winter of our lives when promises seem to be far from being fulfilled, let us keep our eyes on God, and like Mother Mary hold on to the promises with hearts filled with eager anticipation of the joy yet to come.

Prayer: Abba Father, we come to you with hearts filled with hope and yearning. You are the Way maker, you are the promise keeper. Amen.