Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025
Luke 1:39–45
Love That Comes to Us
Have you ever had an unexpected guest, someone you admired deeply, whose presence felt like a gift? Maybe you wondered, What did I do to deserve this? The house wasn’t ready, life wasn’t perfectly in order, but the moment still felt surprising and holy.
That must be how Elizabeth felt when Mary arrived at her door. This was no ordinary visit. Mary brought both uncertainty and promise, and Elizabeth, who knew what it was to wait, was suddenly filled with joy. Scripture tells us that the child in her womb leapt, and Elizabeth was filled with wonder. “Why has this happened to me,” she asks, “that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” Her question is not doubt, but awe.
Elizabeth sees grace when it appears. She does nothing to earn it. She simply receives it.
That is how God’s love works. Grace comes to us, often unexpectedly and rarely when we expect it. Advent reminds us that Christ does not wait for us to be ready or deserving. Christ comes to us. Love draws near. And something inside us stirs with joy.
Today, think about where grace might be surprising you. God may already be closer than you realize.
Prayer:
God of love and grace, open our hearts to receive your presence with gratitude and joy as we prepare for Christ’s coming. Amen.
a journey in existence 