"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now..."

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly..."

Image by Ben Bell

"...All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us'" (Matt. 1:18-19.22-23).

My question remains, What was God thinking? But then look at who else He chooses! As the late Rich Mullins used to say, "God is a wild man!"

Father, all-powerful God,
your eternal Word took flesh on our earth
when the Virgin Mary placed her life
at the service of your plan.
Lift our minds in watchful hope
to hear the voice which announces his glory
and open our minds to receive the Spirit
who prepares us for his coming.
We as this through Christ the Lord (Alternative Prayer for the 4th Sunday of Advent).

Maranatha