Soon and very soon

Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:45).

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80; Heb 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

The story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth has echoes of another story.  When the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, King David is overcome with joy and dances before this sacred symbol of God’s presence on earth (2 Sam 6:14).   So, John leaps in his mother’s womb at the approach of Mary, who bears the very reality of the Incarnation.  What else can we do in the presence of God but leap for joy and dance?

What better way to authenticate the promise of the angel to Mary than her journey to visit her elderly cousin, also with child. The embrace of these two women  expresses the joy of the Gospel. Elizabeth affirms Mary’s faith in the word of the angel. In her Magnificat, Mary will then proclaim that God keeps every promise, especially to the poor and the oppressed.

Despite its rich theological intent, the Christmas story endures because it is like a familiar dream. We want lives touched by love. We believe that truth and goodness will triumph over adversity and arrogance. Humble shepherds and mysterious wise men are the appropriate witnesses to God’s surprise entrance into our world.

Do we believe it? Christmas will not intrude without our faith. To imagine it is to open our lives to a mystery that waits only for our consent to become flesh in us. Where are the children, lovers and dreamers who leap at the sound of God’s voice?  Christmas belongs to them.