The Gospel according to Luke 2:36-45: Mary went to Judah to see her cousin Elizabeth who was soon going to have a baby. When Mary entered the house and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth could feel her unborn baby (John the Baptist) jump inside her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. How does this happen to me, the mother of my Lord comes to me? When I heard your voice, my baby leaped for joy! Blessed are you who believed what was spoken to you.”
This is the gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ
In today’s gospel reading, we heard about Mary going to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Both were going to have baby boys soon. Mary was expecting baby Jesus and Elizabeth was expecting John the Baptist. They were both very excited and knew that they were chosen by God. This brought them great joy and when Mary entered Elizabeth’s house the baby inside Elizabeth leaped for joy, too! Elizabeth would give birth first to John the Baptist and Mary would be giving birth to Jesus a few months later. We are also waiting. Who are we waiting for Jesus who is coming in 6 days! Are you all ready for Him? What have you been doing to get ready for Jesus?(praying, coming to mass, helping, sharing etc.) As we wait for him, we light the 4th candle in the Advent Wreath - a purple candle that stands for Love.
Questions about today's Gospel Reading 1. Who is Jesus's mom? (Mary) 2. Who is John the Baptist's mom? (Elizabeth) 4. What color is the candle for the fourth Sunday of Advent and what does it stand for? (purple which is Love)
Challenge for this week: Let’s spread the Joy of Christmas to others by continuing with JAM and coloring the 4th candle purple on the tkae home Advent Wreath and praying at home together. Find a way to spread love this week!