Christmas Reflection by Sr. Linda LaMagna

Two passages from Scripture that have always stirred my soul during the Advent/Christmas season are:

“. . .Be it done unto me according to your Word.” (Luke 1:38)

and

“ . . .He shall be called Emmanuel, God is with us.” (Isaiah 6:14)

What profound proclamations! God gently breaks into our history and a virgin is with child. God’s desire to save His people reaches fulfillment in the Virgin Mary becoming pregnant by the SEED of God. She is God’s delight, ESPOUSED by the Spirit of God. Mary is an example of unlimited trust in God. Her “Yes” to God and her desire to do God’s will, invites us to rest totally in God’s plan and to surrender all into His hands. When we surrender all, God gives all. Our invitation to trust God unreservedly can be strengthened in the Advent recalling that Emmanuel, God, is still with us. Mary and Joseph give us the courage to be obedient to God’s Word, no matter what it entails. In the Christmas Story we experience God as a faithful God, a God who is very much present to His people. When we experience darkness and aloneness, God calls us by a new name: “My Delight.” When we feel failure and forsaken, God calls us, “My Espoused.” Yes, God is still with us, holding us tenderly in His hands like a royal crown with precious jewels. Even in our sinfulness, “Emmanuel, God is with us,” still delights in us.

God was faithful to the Covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and David. God was faithful to Mary and Joseph and the Apostles and disciples. God is still faithful to us, His chosen ones. In Jesus, God is Emmanuel, with us and in us. As we celebrate the Mystery of Christmas, the Incarnation, and continue our journey to the Kingdom, can we be like Mary and continue to say from within our hearts? “ . . .Be it done unto me according to your Word,” and after the Christmas season is ended, remember: “Emmanuel, God is with us!” God is with us!