December 7

As we draw closer to Christmas, this verse reminds us that everything about the birth of Jesus began with the Holy Spirit. The angel’s words to Mary reveal that it was not through human strength or effort, but by the divine presence of God’s Spirit that this holy miracle would take place. Mary’s response was one of humble faith; she believed even when she could not understand how it would all happen.

In this busy season, when our days are filled with lists, noise, and activity, we are invited to pause and ask ourselves: How many times do we truly stop to listen to the Holy Spirit? How often do we slow down long enough to hear that gentle whisper of God speaking direction, comfort, or conviction to our hearts? The same Spirit who came upon Mary still desires to move within us today, guiding, renewing, and empowering us to carry the presence of Christ into our world.

Mary’s faith teaches us the beauty of saying yes to God’s voice, even when the path ahead is unclear. Her openness allowed God’s promise to become flesh. As we wait in this Advent season, may we learn to trust as she did; to believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work, doing new things in and through us.

Pause for reflection: Take a few quiet moments today to listen. What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you? What promise of God is He inviting you to believe again?