We are people of love.

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The purple candle we light today represents love.

Out of love, God made a promise to the people of Bethlehem. His Son would be born there. The tiny infant King would have the humblest of beginnings. God could have chosen a large city where notoriety and fame were likely. But He had a promise to keep. Bethlehem would be the place. The event would change those whose hearts were open to it, then and forever more.

Out of love, God chose a humble woman to be the mother of our Lord. Mary was a holy and faithful woman, a servant of the Lord. God could have chosen a member of the royal household. Instead, He elevated Mary to Queenship by asking her to be the mother of Jesus. Mary did not hesitate or refuse God. Through Mary, God kept His promise of sending His only Son to guide us and show us the way to salvation.

Dearest Mary, help us to be more like you. Let us accept God’s will without hesitation, without refusing. May your loving example of motherhood motivate us to be more faithful disciples of Jesus. You are our inspiration to love. Amen.