This morning, my Advent calendar revealed a small mirror with the words, “You are God’s gift to the world” inscribed on it. A few days ago, there was a similar item, but this one struck me differently. If you’re like me, perhaps you don’t enjoy looking in the mirror. Often, all I see are imperfections—the scar from chicken pox, my unkempt beard, or the weight I’d like to lose. But today, I paused. What if we all truly embraced the idea that we are God’s gift to the world—not with arrogance or apprehension, but with a humble understanding of our unique role in His plan?

Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, both in Bethlehem and at the end of time. It also invites us to recognize how God works through us here and now. This little mirror reminds me: each of us reflects Christ’s love, becoming instruments of His peace and joy in the world. As we light the fourth Advent candle today, symbolizing love, we remember Mary, who joyfully carried Christ to the world.
Today’s Gospel from Luke 1:39-45 recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth greets Mary with joyful exclamations, calling her “blessed among women” and “the mother of my Lord.” Mary’s journey wasn’t just a casual visit; it was an act of selfless love and service. She didn’t hesitate, despite her own challenges, to bring comfort and joy to her cousin.

Mary’s response to God’s grace is a model for us: faith, humility, and action. It’s striking that whenever God asked anything of her, Mary’s immediate response was always “Yes!” She didn’t second-guess or hold back, even if she didn’t fully understand. Instead, she trusted in God’s plan, knowing her value in His eyes. Mary teaches us to “arise with faith,” trust in God’s promises, and “go in haste” to serve others, even when the path is difficult or when we struggle to see our own worth. In doing so, she reflects the joy and hope of Advent.


The mirror’s message—“You are God’s gift to the world”—isn’t just about recognizing our worth but about living it out. How can we reflect Christ’s love today and throughout the year? St. John the Baptist’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord” challenges us to act concretely. True joy comes from a heart transformed by love, expressed in justice, charity, and humility.

Our parish has been blessed this Advent to support a classroom in the Holy Land—a reminder that being “Catholic” means being part of a universal Church. We belong to a family that stretches beyond Central Maine to include believers around the globe, and even those in Heaven.

Despite ongoing challenges in the Holy Land, Christians there give powerful witness to joy and hope in adversity. Last Christmas, many were unable to put up lights or gather as usual due to war and hardship. This year, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has encouraged them to display Christmas lights as “public signs of Christian hope.”

This fall, St. Michael Parish took on the challenge of raising funds to support Catholic schools in the Holy Land, which provide not just education, but also employment, community, and charity. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve met our goal! Your support is a tangible Christmas gift to a region deeply connected to our Savior’s birth.




Reflecting on Cardinal Pizzaballa’s encouragement, I wonder: What might public signs of Christian hope look like here in Central Maine? How can we “put up the lights” of joy and hope in our community? It could be as simple as inviting a neighbor to Christmas Mass or as profound as forgiving someone who has hurt us. It might mean volunteering at a shelter, sending a card to someone who’s lonely, or supporting causes that reflect Christ’s love. These acts, however small, echo Mary’s joyful service.

The Responsorial Psalm today prays, “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face, and we shall be saved.” Advent is a season of turning—away from distractions and toward God. The birth of Jesus is God’s way of holding up a mirror, inviting us to see ourselves through His eyes. When we do, we discover not only our own worth, but the call to reflect His love to others.


As Christmas approaches, we extend a warm invitation to all: come celebrate the birth of Christ with us. Whether you’re a longtime parishioner or visiting for the first time, know that you are welcome. This season is a homecoming, a time to reconnect with God’s love and the community of faith.

Invite your family and friends to join us for one of our Christmas Masses this week. Let this celebration be a reminder that Christ’s light shines for all, especially in the darkest moments.
As you hold today’s Advent image—a small mirror with the words, “You are God’s gift to the world”—consider: How will you reflect Christ’s love this week? How will you share His light, not just at Christmas but every day? The mirror’s inscription isn’t just a statement; it’s a challenge—to live as God’s gift, bringing His joy and peace to others.

In the words of Mary’s Magnificat, let our souls “proclaim the greatness of the Lord” and our spirits “rejoice in God our Savior.” Like Mary, let’s rise with faith, go in haste to serve, and live in astonishment at God’s work in our lives.

May the joy and hope of Christ’s coming fill your hearts and homes. Merry Christmas, and we look forward to celebrating with you this holy season!