As Christmas day draws close Mary comes into focus more and more. In Isaiah we have the promise "the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel" meaning God with us. In the gospel of Luke we have the beautiful story of the annunciation, God's invitation and choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus.

Mary was troubled as she received this invitation and wondered how this could come about. Then those reassuring words came to her "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favour with God. Mary listened attentively to God's word to her and then from her heart she responded" "Behold the handmaid of the Lord.. Mary also received the good news of her cousin Elizabeth and the message 'nothing is impossible with God'.

We can learn a lot from today's gospel about call and response, listening to God's word and realizing that God gives us the grace to answer His invitation if we open our hearts to Him. Mary is a good example for us as we reflect on our own lives and what God is calling us to. How can we receive Christ more fully into our lives this Christmas? Let us stay close to Mary at this time of waiting and learn from her. She will lead us to her Son.