Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024

by Rod and Connie Determann, Notre Dame Associates

Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent!  Christmas is close – the celebrating of the birth of Jesus! We will be with others this time of year (in prayer, dinner, celebrations, or calls).  We take time to be with others or do works of service or send cards.

As our reading for the fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke: 1.39-45.- Mary is visiting Elizabeth.  Both women are excited to be with each other just as much as John and Jesus are to be with each other.  The love is exchanged immediately as these women see each other.   They share the joy to be with people they love.  They share the joy of knowing Jesus is coming.

We recently went to visit a friend at her new house.  We were excited to see her new place and help her with tasks around her house, like replacing light bulbs.  When we walked in we said her fan club was there because we were so excited about seeing her.  We joked that both of us were the president of her fan club.  She warmly looked at us and said that Jesus is the president of her fan club.  As I reflected on this beautiful response from our friend, it touched my heart so much; that is how Jesus feels when he sees us.  He is the president of our fan club.  He loves us so much and is always wanting the best for us.  As excited as we are to know he is coming, he is standing there with His arms wide open and loving us!

May we take time before Christmas to recognize Jesus coming to us just as Elizabeth and John did.  He truly is the president of our fan club and loves us!