December 20, 2025
Third Saturday of Advent
Fr. John Luke Gregory
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth marking a pivotal moment in divine history.
In this humble town lived a virgin betrothed to a man of David's lineage named Joseph. The virgin's name revered throughout the centuries was Mary. Visiting her the angel brought her a message of great importance saying cheer up, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Mary troubled by this word was deeply perplexed and pondered the meaning of such a greeting.
In her amazement the angel reassured her do not fear Mary for you have found graces with God. At this point a promise was revealed for the angel went on to say behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you will name him Jesus. This child appointed to greatness would be called the son of the Most High. The Lord God would give him the throne of his ancestor David and he would reign over the house of Jacob forever establishing an eternal kingdom without end.
This announcement marked a pivotal moment not only for Mary but for all humanity because it foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah. In her innocence and youthful wonder Mary responded with a question: how will this happen since I am a Virgin?
This question reflects a deep desire to understand the divine will in the midst of her personal circumstances. The Angel, God's messenger, answered with compassion and clarity, "the Holy Spirit will descend upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. Therefore the child who will be born will be called Holy Child of God."
A miraculous sign is also presented in this divine revelation: "and behold, Elizabeth your relative in her old age has also conceived a son. This is the sixth month for her who was called barren. Nothing is impossible to God."
This testimony underscores the unlimited nature of God's power to intervene in human life by highlighting that even what seems insurmountable to us is within the reach of the Almighty.
In a moment of surrender to the divine plan, Mary accepts her role with humility and grace, declaring, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord let it be done to me according to your word." Her response encapsulates a deep faith and readiness to participate in God's plan of salvation.
After this sacred conversation the angel departed from her, leaving behind a promise that
would change the course of human history forever.
Happy contemplation of the mystery of the Incarnation and have a Merry Christmas.
