This morning, I pulled a small figurine of Mary from my Advent calendar. It was a simple image, yet it carried so much weight. I couldn’t help but think of how many nativity sets Mary has graced over the years, her quiet strength radiating peace. But as I turned the figurine in my hands, I wondered: _Am I imitating Mary’s readiness to serve?_ Mary’s life was one of action, but not in the way we often imagine. It wasn’t loud or attention-seeking; her service was full of quiet trust, humility, and love.

In the final days of Advent, when to-do lists grow and patience shrinks, Mary offers us a reminder: true service is grounded in joyful love and a heart open to God.
Mary’s life was shaped by her _yes_. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her with the astonishing news that she would bear the Son of God, her response was simple yet profound: _“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”_ (Luke 1:38). That “yes” wasn’t just a momentary act of courage; it set the tone for her entire life of service. From journeying to help her cousin Elizabeth, to raising Jesus in humble circumstances, to standing by Him at the foot of the cross, Mary consistently chose to trust God’s plan over her own.

Today’s Gospel recounts the birth of John the Baptist. Elizabeth and Zechariah, like Mary, responded to God’s call with trust. Their son would prepare the way for Christ, just as Mary’s “yes” made the way for His coming. It’s a beautiful reminder that God calls each of us to play a role in His story. The question is: Are we ready to say “yes,” like Mary?


It’s easy to think of Mary as serene and untouchable, but her service was grounded in the messy realities of life. After Gabriel’s announcement, she didn’t stay home to process everything; instead, she “went in haste” to help Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). Mary’s readiness to serve teaches us that responding to God’s call often means stepping out of our comfort zones to meet the needs of others.

Mary’s example also challenges us to find joy in service. The final days of Advent can feel overwhelming. There are gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, and gatherings to plan. It’s easy to get so caught up in the busyness that we lose sight of the joy. Mary reminds us to pause and ask: _Am I serving with love?_ Whether we’re preparing meals, listening to a friend, or simply smiling at a stranger, our small acts of service can reflect the love of Christ.


Today’s O Antiphon, _“O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!”_ draws us back to the heart of Advent. Emmanuel—_God with us_—isn’t a distant figure; He is present in our lives, calling us to bring His love to the world. Mary’s life reminds us that God often works through the quiet and the small. A simple “yes,” a humble heart, and a willingness to serve can bring His light to others.


As we enter the final stretch of Advent, let’s reflect on Mary’s readiness to serve. Where is God calling you to say “yes” today? Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend who’s struggling, helping a neighbor, or simply pausing to pray for someone in need. Like Mary, we can bring Christ’s love into the world in small but meaningful ways.

Let’s also take a moment to ask ourselves: _Am I serving with joy?_ If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to slow down, lift our tasks to God, and invite Him to transform them into opportunities for love.


Mary’s figurine is more than a decoration; it’s a reminder of her life of joyful service. Her “yes” brought Christ into the world. This Advent, let’s imitate her readiness to serve, trusting that God can work through us, too. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, may we carry Mary’s example in our hearts, saying “yes” to God and bringing His love to others. Emmanuel, _God with us_, calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. Let’s respond with joy.