Let us watch and prepare for the Nativity with Mary

We are now entering the season of Advent. We have four Sundays to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior, the Redeemer of mankind. During these days, we are called to clear our minds and make room for the Lord Jesus. 

Advent will certainly be a time of material preparation for the great feast of Christmas, but let's not let this overshadow our inner preparation. We have to strike a balance. And who better to help us than a woman, a mother, to teach us how to live this Advent season well. 

This is why we are going to walk with the Virgin Mary. Mary welcomed the Word of God; she let the Word grow within her; she gave the Word to the world. So let us stay vigilant and prepare ourselves with Mary, who was herself prepared for this great and beautiful mission, which has transformed the history of humanity in a unique way.

As John Paul II said: “Walk with Mary. Let the echo of her fiat resound in your hearts!" This is my wish for you during this Advent season.

Father Pierre Le Bourgeois, Former parish priest of Nantua (France)