Friday of the Third Week of Advent
This week, we’ve journeyed through the joy of God’s presence, revealed in His transforming work, His faithfulness through history, His strength in trials, and His surprising interventions in unexpected places. Today’s readings bring us to the ultimate surprise: God’s presence comes to us not only through His promises but in the Word made flesh, Emmanuel, “God with us.”
In Isaiah, King Ahaz is invited by God to ask for a sign. In his false humility, Ahaz refuses, but God, ever faithful, gives a sign anyway: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” This promise, spoken in a time of fear and uncertainty, reveals the shocking depth of God’s commitment to His people. He will not remain distant but will enter their history in an intimate and unimaginable way.
The Gospel from Luke unveils the fulfillment of this promise in the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young woman in an unremarkable village, and announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. The surprise here is manifold: God chooses a humble maiden, bypassing the halls of power and the expectations of the world. Even more startling, this child will not merely be a great prophet or king—He is the Son of the Most High, born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mary’s response is our model: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” In her faith, we see the joy of surrendering to the unexpected ways of God, trusting that His plans are infinitely greater than we could imagine.
As we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us open our hearts to the surprises of God’s presence. Where might He be asking you to say “yes” in faith, even when His plans defy your understanding? Like Mary, may we find joy in trusting that Emmanuel—God with us—brings a love and purpose beyond all human expectation.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections