Fourth Week of Advent, December 20 2020

2SM 7:1-5, 8B, ROM 16:25-27, LK 1:26-38

Scripture

Mary Said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Once Upon a Time – An Advent Story

• Why Christmas Trees are not Perfect  by Richard H. Schneider

Life is About Choices

• The little pine had to make difficult choices
• His branches became bent
• Would have been easier to think about itself

Sometimes We need to be Bold in our Choices

• We need to go against our culture or society
• We need to go against the flow
• Because it is the right thing to do

The Queen’s Perspective-God’s too!

• Queen saw the love, warmth. Compassion of little pine
• She saw the beauty of God.
• Her heart was touched
• She chose the flawed little pine to honor the palace

God’s sees our Beauty in our Actions

• The best gifts we can give to others at Christmas, is ourselves
• Like little pine, we are called to open our lives and hearts to

Welcome the stranger, to bring comfort and hope

• We are called to protect and shield the vulnerable
• Maybe they are people in our own family

The Holy Spirit and “Yes” of Mary

• God has given us the greatest gift-The Christ Child
• Let us receive Jesus this Christmas not for just a day or week
• Let us carry this gift all year long
• In Jesus we find joy, peace, love, hope and healing
• Let’s be a gift to someone else

Questions for Reflection

• What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
• Where do you place yourself in the story?
• How easy or difficult do you find it to open your arms to the vulnerable year round?
• In what ways do you think you protect the vulnerable?
• Are you comfortable in your current choices?

Live Connected

• Like Mary, and through the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit, make an intentional choice to open your mind, heart and arms to someone new this Christmas and New Year.  Post your new choice somewhere that will be a reminder