Blessings NOT Gossips: Taking Jesus to others at Christmas
Luke 1:39-45
Far away from our usual gossip – radio without battery – today’s Gospel invites us into a beautiful moment of encounter—Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. It is not merely a family reunion, as some of us make Christmas out to be; rather, it is a profound spiritual event filled with faith, joy, and the power of Jesus’ presence. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth teaches us how to bring Christ to others and how to live as channels of God’s blessings as a renewal of the Christmas message today.
Our gospel reading begins with a triple faith – Gabriel’s, Mary’s and Elizabeth’s. Gabriel, whose name means “God’s strength”, indicates the indispensability of faith to experience the power and strength of God in one’s life as Mary experiences. Mary, a young woman who receives the message of salvation from Angel Gabriel, believes God’s word and says, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Her faith enables Jesus to dwell in her womb. Elizabeth affirms this faith when she says, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Interestingly, Mary’s faith is active not passive; it moves her to action. She travels to visit Elizabeth, carrying the Savior in her womb—Jesus.
The presence of Jesus in Mary gives her words powers beyond ordinary greetings. On hearing Mary’s words of greeting, Elizabeth experiences three remarkable things: 1. the Holy Spirit fills her; 2. The child in her womb leaps for joy; and 3. Elizabeth prophesies, calling Mary “blessed among women” and blessing the fruit of her womb. What a faith expression!
With Jesus dwelling in the womb of Mary, the transforming power of Jesus exudes from her to reach others as blessings. In other words, when we carry Christ within us, our words, actions, and very presence can inspire joy, hope, and faith in others. Mary carries and shares the presence of Jesus to others, when they too predispose themselves to receive God’s blessings as Elizabeth’s patient and faithful years of barrenness come to an end. Mary shares with Elizabeth the joy and blessings the presence of Jesus in her offers. In doing so, even the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.
It takes two persons with the indwell of God’s Spirit to recognize each other. Elizabeth calls Mary “blessed among women” because Mary’s blessedness comes from her faith and her openness to God’s will. This does not leave Elizabeth indifferent. One of the most striking moments in this Gospel is when Elizabeth says, “The child in my womb leaped for joy.” The presence of Christ brings joy, even to an unborn child.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that faith brings Christ into our lives, his presence transforms us, and we are to share his blessings with others—our neighbors. Like Mary, let us be bearers of Christ, bringing his love, joy, and peace to others. A clear absence of God in us is leaving those we visit sad and contemplating evil or in a state of sin!
As Christmas approaches, we must ask ourselves: Is there room in our hearts for Jesus or do we allow negativity, gossip, and selfishness to take root? Are we ready to welcome Jesus and allow his presence to transform us? As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus is the source of true joy.
For us, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is a reminder that faith is not just about words; it requires action. Are we willing to trust God’s plan, even when it disrupts our own as it did Mary’s? Are we ready to step out in faith, like Mary, to bring Christ to others? Are we ready to wait patiently and faithfully like Elizabeth living with barrenness for decades? Are we tempted to short-circuit our illness, poverty, etc. or keep faith with God? Like Mary, we must put to action our faith by sharing the joy of Christmas, whether it’s through a kind word, a generous act, or simply being present for someone in need, we can bring the joy of Christ to others.
I pray, as we prepare for Christmas, may our hearts be open to Jesus, our words be blessings, and let love guide our actions. Let us eradicate negativity from Nativity, spreading the joy of Christ to everyone. And like Elizabeth and Mary, may we rejoice in the blessings of God’s presence in our lives.
Assignment for the Week:
Could you visit orphans and pregnant women and offer them gifts?