Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year C)

 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2024

Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-44

(Image Courtesy: Google)

Little Anita has a very busy father. He is a dot-com technocrat who makes a lot of money but has little time to be with his family. Every night, however, Anita insists that her father read her a story before she would go to sleep. This continued for some time until the man found a "solution." He bought Anita a colourful kid's tape player and made a tape of her favourite stories in the story book. Whenever, therefore, the child asks him to read her a story he would simply push the button and play back the tape-recorded stories. Anita took that for a few days and then revolted and refused to accept the stories on tape. "Why," asked the father, "the tape reads the stories as good as I do!" "Ya," replied the little girl, "But I can't sit on his laps."

If Christmas is the feast of giving, then the question of what to give and how to give becomes very important. After all what is worth doing is worth doing well. How can we improve on the quality of our giving? How can we improve on the quality of our Christmas celebration? Today's Gospel reading helps us to answer some of these questions.

As we gather on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the final candle of the Advent wreath is lit, symbolizing love and the nearness of our Savior’s birth. This season of Advent invites us to reflect on the profound virtues of giving and sharing as acts of preparation for welcoming Christ into our hearts and our world.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, we encounter Mary visiting Elizabeth. Mary, having just received the life-changing news that she will bear the Son of God, doesn’t withdraw into isolation or self-absorption. Instead, she embarks on a journey to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously expecting a child. This act is one of profound giving and sharing.

Mary’s visit isn’t merely a social call. It’s a selfless act of love and service. She brings her presence, her assistance, and most importantly, the gift of Christ within her. This moment highlights that giving isn’t limited to material possessions; it often involves giving our time, attention, and support to others.

When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the child in her womb leaps for joy. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary’s giving and sharing evoke joy and the recognition of God’s presence. This encounter teaches us that when we share generously and give of ourselves, we become instruments of God’s grace and joy to others.

The Call to Generosity in Advent

Advent is a season that calls us to imitate Mary’s example by embracing a spirit of generosity. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we’re reminded that God’s greatest gift to humanity was His Son. This act of divine generosity sets the standard for how we are to live our lives.

The readings from this season emphasize that our preparation for Christmas isn’t just about external decorations or gift-giving traditions. It’s about creating room in our hearts and lives to share God’s love with others. This preparation involves:

Giving of Our Time: Just as Mary gave her time to Elizabeth, we’re called to be present to those around us. In today’s fast-paced world, time is one of the most precious gifts we can offer. Whether it’s spending time with family, visiting the sick or lonely, or volunteering to help those in need, our time can be a reflection of Christ’s love.

Sharing Our Talents: Each of us has unique gifts and abilities. Sharing these talents can uplift and inspire others. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, preparing meals for the less fortunate, or using professional skills to serve the community, our talents are gifts meant to be shared.

Offering Material Gifts: While material giving isn’t the only form of generosity, it’s a tangible way to demonstrate love and care. Whether it’s through charitable donations, preparing gifts for children in need, or providing essentials to struggling families, our material gifts can be a sign of God’s providence.

Sharing: A Reflection of God’s Love

The theme of sharing runs deeply through today’s Gospel and the Advent season. Sharing is at the heart of our Christian vocation. It’s a response to God’s love for us, a love that was so great it gave us Emmanuel, “God with us.”

In Mary and Elizabeth’s meeting, we see the joy that comes from sharing faith and hope. Elizabeth shares in Mary’s joy, and Mary shares her Magnificat, a hymn of praise for God’s blessings and faithfulness. This mutual sharing enriches both women and becomes a powerful testimony to God’s work in their lives.

We’re called to reflect this dynamic in our own lives. Sharing isn’t merely about giving what we have in excess; it’s about giving of ourselves. It’s about recognizing the needs of others and responding with love and compassion. It’s about building community and strengthening the bonds of faith.

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, the culmination of Advent, let us reflect on how we can live out the virtues of giving and sharing in practical ways:

In Our Families: Start at home. Share love, patience, and forgiveness with those closest to us. Make time for meaningful conversations and shared activities that strengthen family bonds.

In Our Parish Community: Participate in parish initiatives that serve the poor and marginalized. Whether it’s a food drive, or a help in preparation for Christmas, these efforts embody the spirit of Advent.

Through Prayer: Share the gift of prayer. Pray for those in need, for peace in the world, and for the grace to be instruments of God’s love. Prayer connects us to God’s abundant generosity and empowers us to share it with others.

As we light the final candle of the Advent wreath and draw closer to Christmas, let us remember that giving and sharing prepare the way for Christ. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth reminds us that when we give of ourselves and share generously, we bring Christ’s presence to others. Just as Mary carried the Savior to Elizabeth’s home, we’re called to carry Christ to the world through our acts of love and generosity.

This Advent, may we open our hearts to the transformative power of giving and sharing. May our lives reflect the love of God, who gave us the greatest gift of all—His Son. And as we share this love with others, may we experience the joy, peace, and hope that come from knowing Christ is with us.

Let us go forth with the resolve to live generously and to share abundantly, so that this Christmas, Christ will find a welcome home not just in our hearts, but in the hearts of all those we touch.

Happy Sunday