We often remember birthdays. They are occasions of great joy and celebration when we spend
quality time with those closest to us. There is great excitement from the time we receive an
invitation to the day itself. But birthdays always involve preparation. For a friend we often use a
checklist – is the greeting card written, present ready, and party planned? In deciding on a gift we
often consider how well we know a person. We do everything possible to be ready for the big day.
At Christmas we also celebrate a birthday, it is the reason for the season and a special time of
rejoicing in our faith. The birthday of the saviour of the world is now fast approaching, but are we
ready to join the celebration? Have we prepared as for the birthdays of other friends? Are we ready
to welcome Jesus, the little child and prince of peace who is born to us on Christmas Day?
Birthdays often give us time to spend time with the family of our friends, and the birthday of Christ
is no different. As we await the coming of our Saviour, the Gospel today invites us to spend
time in prayer in the company of Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother, reflecting on her role
in the story of Christmas. She placed her complete trust in God, and is a great example of faith as
we prepare our hearts to embrace the joyful message of Christ’s coming. When Mary received the news
that she was to be the mother of Jesus she rejoiced, trusting completely in the message of the angel,
and pondered the Word of God in her heart. She rushed to tell Elizabeth the good news and was
overcome at the blessing she received from her cousin “Of all women you are the most blessed… for
the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy.” Mary was filled
with joy in God’s presence and was ready to do his will, knowing that he had done everything for
her. Her example helps us in our own lives to prepare the way to encounter God in all things, and to
communicate his presence to others.
During this time as we prepare to welcome the Christ child into our hearts, let us pray for a greater
humility, simplicity, and trust in our faith. Mary, a lowly handmaid was filled with joy to receive a
visit from the Lord. Through her intercession, may we rejoice at the birth of Jesus this Christmas, and
may it reawaken in our hearts the desire to always do the will our God in our lives. Amen.
