... Reflections

Title: "LOVE BECAUSE GOD, WHO IS THE SOURCE, HAS ALWAYS LOVED HUMANITY.”
Quote: Lk 1:26-38
Date: Sunday, 24th December, 2023
Author: Rev. Fr. Clement Quagraine

As we approach the conclusion of the Advent season on this fourth Sunday, the Church guides us to eagerly anticipate the upcoming Christmas season, centered around the theme of "LOVE." In symbolizing this theme, the fourth candle is lit, signifying the radiant love of God in the sending of His only begotten Son to dwell among us. Why is it meaningful to anticipate this love-light? The love embodied in Jesus Christ arrives not with fear, tension, or conflict, but rather with encouragement, peace, hope, and joy for all of humanity. This revelation is communicated through Mary, the first recipient of this divine message. Recall the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:26-38), portraying a message of love, assurance, and encouragement. The angel further declared, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Just as Mary, our beacon of hope, embraced this love-light with unwavering conviction, leading to the descent of the Holy Spirit upon her and the overshadowing power of the Most High, we too, like Mary, are called to embrace this light of love. The light of love will indeed come, but it will find its way into our lives if we align our will with that of the Lord, echoing Mary's words, "Let it be to me according to your word."