4th Week of Advent - We can make a Difference

Image via WikipediaThis week’s reading are as follows: [2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12,14,16], [Romans 16: 25-27], [Luke 1: 26-38]

In the first reading today, we are told that despite his failures and weaknesses, God made David, a shepherd in Bethlehem, to become a great king in Jerusalem. David was an instrument of God in providing for his people and God established a covenant with David that ensured that his line will last forever.

In the Gospel reading, we are told of the beginning of our salvation plan by God. God chose the town called Nazareth in Galilee and a young girl specially chosen and prepared by Him to fulfill His plan for humanity.

Without Christ, there is no salvation. And God chose Mary whom we know as a prayerful and truly sinless girl to be the mother of His son – Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and told her: “You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus”. Mary was frighten and lost (likewise, we too will be scared if the same happened to us) because she is virgin and wonder how then could she conceive “but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour.”( LK1:40)

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.” (LK1:35).

To that, Mary replied despite her fear and uncertainty : “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me accordingly to your word.”

It was Mary’s total faith, total confidence and total obedience to God that led to the conception of the Son of God through God’s creative Spirit.

To Mary, it was God’s will and not her will that she obey. Mary did not say (like what most of us will hear today) – let me think about it and I’ll get back to you later.

Both David and Mary had made a difference in God’s salvation plan. How about us?

Are we prepared to make a difference too? Or are we looking after only our own benefits?

In whatever state and circumstance in our life, we can choose to live out the will of our heavenly Father. We can stand forward and be relied on to share our faith in God, to help others in need with our gifts and to speak out against injustice and indifference.

In other words, we can make a difference. Merry Christmas!