A PROMISE FULFILLED

A PROMISE FULFILLED

 This fourth Sunday of Advent closes the journey that we have taken together to reintroduce ourselves to Christmas. Today we are shown the fulfillment of a promise that has been given to the people since ancient times. Today's gospel (Lk: 1, 26-38) tells us that precise moment in which God, fulfilling his promise, comes to us, God becomes man; to then be born of that chosen woman (Lk 2, 1-14), who will be said to be the blessed among all women: our mother Mary.

 The birth of this child, who is the promise of God, is the Word of God in itself. It is what we will celebrate tonight with a vigilant attitude, happy that God makes his home among us.

 We, like the shepherds on that first Christmas night, have been given the same message. We are reminded that our savior has finally come to rescue us. This child that we celebrate today dressed in diapers and lying in the manger will be the man who will speak to everyone about God and his will. He will be the one who will pay with his life to rescue those he loves: us, whom he calls friends, and recognizes us as his brothers and sisters. He is the one who continues to speak to the Father about us, and intercedes for us before the Father.

 On this night we unite heaven and earth once again to sing the praises of God, proclaim his greatness and mercy. That first Christmas the angels sang, and this Christmas we join in their song: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”Amen.

 Fr. Carlos Flores, OSA