Today on the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the gospel reading recounts the story of the Annunciation. This Sunday is when Mary is introduced into the advent calendar as we head toward Christmas Day.

Mary is probably the greatest of the Advent personalities that appear. For she is the prime example of one who waited with longing, anticipation, and faith for the coming of the Messiah. Mary’s nine months began with that story today. While Mary professed her trust and confidence in God, it did not mean that she fully comprehended all the implications of her pregnancy. Mary, as a human being, gradually grew in her understanding of the important role she had in the history of salvation and in bringing the Christ child into this world.

It is clear that from the beginning of her life God had chosen her to be His Son’s mother. That is what we celebrated at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; but all this knowledge could not be comprehended in a brief visit by an angel! Joseph comes along as her husband and supports her with his own deep faith.

Thousands of years later we continue to unravel what this great mystery means for the world and for each of us. God sent His Son to dwell among us; to be one like us in all things but sin; to walk among His people and to bring God’s healing compassion to the multitudes of people; and finally to suffer and die and rise from the dead in order to accomplish salvation.

All of this began with the nativity and gradually unfolded through the years. Today as Christmas nears, the mystery continues to touch us and bring us joy.

May the conclusion and the fulfillment of this Advent Season lead us into the New Year with renewed hope in the life God promises to bring.