“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

As we come to the end of our Advent journey and begin our final preparation for the great feast of Christmas, we are reminded of the marvelous gift that God has bestowed upon us. On that day so many years ago, God touched all of humanity in a glorious way. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God continues to touch each one of us every moment of our lives. The questions we must ask ourselves are, “Will we feel God’s touch? And if we do, how will we respond?” In this Faith Talk I reflect on the gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent which recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I marvel at how God touched these women. The way in which they responded to God is a model for the way I desire to live. I hope this Faith Talk will be helpful for you. Merry Christmas!

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Scripture cited: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 3:10-18, Luke 1:39-45

Other sources cited: St. Francis of Assisi

In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent in which John the Baptist calls us to put our faith into action. Just as Christ came into the world for us, we are called to be Christ for others. Christmas is our yearly reminder to recommit ourselves to Immanuel, God with us, by living as Christ taught us to live – in love, peace, mercy, forgiveness, and justice. John’s message helps us do that!

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/

Scripture cited: Luke 3:4, Luke 3:10-18, Matthew 5:6-9, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 5:44-45, Matthew 7:1, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:40

Other sources cited: St. Teresa of Calcutta

In our society today it is quite tempting to just charge right into Christmas with no preparation whatsoever. But if we do that, we will undoubtedly miss something important. A special event requires special attention and forethought. And that’s exactly what the season of Advent offers us. A time of expectation and wonder. A time of planning and preparation. The liturgical readings guide us through these four weeks by helping us better understand the meaning of this extraordinary season. In this Faith Talk I reflect on the liturgical readings for the First and Second Sundays of Advent, which call us to slow down, wake up, stay alert, and take notice of all that God is doing in our lives. I hope this Faith Talk will be beneficial for you in some way – perhaps inspire and uplift you. Perhaps encourage you to ask new questions and contemplate new possibilities. Perhaps rekindle your faith life and encourage you to take another step forward on your faith journey as we enter this extraordinary season of Advent.

Faith Talk with Anita You Tube videos: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FaithTalkWithAnita/videos

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_talk_with_anita/

Scripture cited: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-28, 34-36, Baruch 5:1-9, Luke 3:1-6