On this the Fourth and final Sunday in the Advent Season we meet both Mary and Elizabeth in our Gospel reading. These two women demonstrate the meaning and the spirit of this season.

Elizabeth who was barren into her old age (probably not that old in today’s standards). She was totally surprised by God’s intervention in her life. She becomes pregnant with John the Baptist, and thus fulfills her part in God’s plan of salvation.

Mary, the virgin bride of Joseph likewise becomes pregnant through God’ intervention. She too is surprised and even perplexed by these unexpected happenings in her life.

After the angel tells Mary about Elizabeth, Mary does what most of us would do. She sets out into the hill country (no easy trek by anyone’s standards, especially a pregnant woman) to visit with and to find support in their mutual situation.

The encounter is a warm, loving connection of two women of deep faith. We can only imagine the embrace and the tears, the relief and the hope which that encounter brought. Yes, Elizabeth acknowledged Mary’s faith filled response to God, but Mary did likewise by her very visit and concern.

This wonderful gospel story is always the culmination of Advent and ushers in the final days before Christmas. As we continue to prepare our hearts for this coming Friday, may we open our arms in welcome and embrace the newborn king as He is born anew to us this year.