First Reading - Micah 5:1-4
Second Reading - Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel - Luke 1:39-45
The first reading from Micah reminds us that God often works through the unexpected. Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, was chosen to be the birthplace of the Savior. This challenges us to look at our own lives differently. We may feel small, unworthy, or insignificant at times, but God’s plans for us are bigger than our self-doubt. He calls us to trust that He can use us, just as He used Bethlehem, to bring His grace and love into the world.
The second reading from Hebrews emphasizes the obedience of Jesus to the Father’s will. Jesus didn’t come to seek His own desires but to fulfill God’s purpose, even when it meant enduring suffering. In our own lives, trusting God often means letting go of control and accepting that His will might be different from our own plans. How often do we resist what God is asking of us because it feels too hard or doesn’t align with what we think is best? Trusting God means believing that His plan, even when challenging, will ultimately bring about the greatest good for us and for those around us.
The Gospel shows us a beautiful example of trust and joy in Mary and Elizabeth. Mary, despite the uncertainties surrounding her role as the mother of the Savior, trusted God’s word and acted on it. She didn’t hesitate to visit Elizabeth, offering her support and sharing her joy. Elizabeth, too, recognized God’s work in Mary and rejoiced with her. Their meeting is a practical lesson for us: when we trust God, our faith overflows into action, and that action brings joy to others.
Dear friends, are we willing to trust God with the uncertainties we face—our work, our families, our relationships, and even our struggles? Trust doesn’t mean we will always have immediate answers, but it does mean taking the next step in faith, knowing that God is walking with us.
Trusting God also challenges us to act. Mary didn’t just sit back and wait for things to happen; she moved in faith and reached out to Elizabeth. Trust in God should inspire us to do the same. Are there people in our lives who need our support, our encouragement, or our presence? Can we be the source of joy and hope for someone struggling?
As we prepare for Christmas, let us embrace the practical ways we can trust in God. When we feel uncertain, let us pray, “Lord, I trust in Your plan for me.” When we are afraid to act, let us remember Mary’s courage and take that step forward. And when we encounter others, let us be like Elizabeth, affirming God’s work in their lives and sharing in their joy.
God’s plans may not always align with our expectations, but His love for us never fails. When we place our trust in Him and act in faith, we will find the joy and peace that only He can give. May this Advent season renew our confidence in God’s promises and inspire us to live lives of trust, hope, and joyful action.
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