Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Unexpected Gift of God’s Love (C)

Today, on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we stand at the threshold of Christmas. Our hearts are filled with anticipation as we prepare to welcome Christ. The Gospel reading brings us to a tender and profound moment: the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. Two women, both touched by God’s extraordinary plan, share joy, faith, and recognition of the divine at work in their lives.

Mary, a young girl from a humble background, has just received the astonishing news that she will bear the Son of God. Without hesitation, she sets out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously expecting a child. As soon as Mary greets her, Elizabeth’s baby leaps into her womb, and she is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth’s words resound through the ages: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (cf. Luke 1:42).

This encounter reveals profound truths about God’s ways and our call to faith and obedience.

The prophet Micah reminds us that God often works in ways we do not expect. The promised Messiah will come not from a grand city but from tiny Bethlehem—a place seemingly insignificant. This theme runs throughout Scripture: God uses the small, the humble, and the overlooked to accomplish great things. Mary herself is a perfect example. A young woman from a small village becomes our Savior's mother.

How often do we dismiss ourselves or others as unworthy or incapable? We might think we are too flawed, too ordinary, or too insignificant to make a difference. But God sees with different eyes. God’s plans often unfold in the most unexpected places and through the most unlikely people. Today, we are invited to see with God’s eyes and to recognize the potential for grace in every person and situation.

The word “obedience” can carry negative connotations—suggesting blind compliance or forced submission. But true obedience, as we see in Mary and Elizabeth, is something much deeper. It is about trusting in God’s love and believing that His promises will be fulfilled. Elizabeth praises Mary not just for being the mother of the Lord but for her faith: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:45).

Mary’s obedience is an act of profound trust and love. She does not fully understand what God is asking of her, but she says “yes” with her whole heart. Her “yes” changes the course of history. In our own lives, God invites us to that same kind of obedience—not a reluctant submission, but a joyful trust in His love and His plans for us.

The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth is also a powerful reminder of the importance of community and mutual support. Both women are facing extraordinary, even overwhelming, circumstances. Yet, in their encounter, they find joy, strength, and affirmation. Elizabeth’s words encourage Mary, and Mary’s presence brings joy to Elizabeth.

As we prepare for Christmas, we are called to share the joy of Christ with one another. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we are invited to support each other in faith, to recognize the presence of God in our lives, and to rejoice together in His promises.

The world is filled with challenges and uncertainties. Like the people of Micah’s time, we long for peace and justice. The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Christ’s coming is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation. This salvation is not just about rituals or outward observances but about a transformation of our hearts and lives.

In a few days, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. But the true celebration of Christmas happens when we allow Christ to be born in our hearts and when we bring His love into the world. Each of us, like Mary, is called to bear Christ—to make His presence known through our words and actions.

As we enter this final week of Advent, let us reflect on the unexpected ways God works in our lives. Let us open our hearts to His love, trust in His promises, and share the joy of Christ with those around us.

Blessed are we who believe, for what the Lord has promised will be fulfilled.