Christmas is now very near, and today’s Gospel account of the Visitation of Our Lady to her cousin St Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45) shows us the great joy that surrounded the coming of our Saviour into the world. The scene follows the Annunciation, and Mary, having said ‘yes’ to God’s messenger the Angel Gabriel, now carries in her womb the God man, the Word made Flesh. In spite of her exalted calling, she thought not of herself, but “went with haste” to her older cousin Elizabeth to see how she could help her. And it was there, at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth that the first proclamation of Christ took place. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth’s womb, St John the Baptist, leaped for joy as he recognised the presence of his Saviour in the womb of Mary. Secondly, Elizabeth who was filled with the Holy Spirit had prophetic insight: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Elizabeth didn’t only realise Mary was pregnant, but that she was pregnant with the promised Messiah.  She said Mary was blessed and gave the reason for it. The fruit of her womb was the very Son of God, the Word made Flesh, the new Adam, Who was going to bring life as opposed to death brought by the first Adam. And as the fruit of the tree in the Garden of Eden led to sin and separation from God, the fruit of Mary’s womb will bring redemption and reconciliation.

It was through Mary God chose to enter our world. Let us honour our Blessed Mother not only with words, but by imitating her. Like her, may we carry Christ within us, and bring Him to a world that so needs His saving presence. And as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us pray earnestly for an end to the violence in the Holy Land.

Finally, Fr David and myself would like to wish you and your families a blessed and joyful Christmas, and may the light of Christ shine in your hearts throughout this holy season and always.