On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we listen carefully to the praise and prophecy offered through Mary, the mother of Christ. At a time in our history when so many struggle to believe in the love, favor, and faithfulness of God, we need to be revived and emboldened by the Word of God offered through Mary. Like our mother in the faith before us, may we receive God’s favor, and expect God’s faithfulness, made available to us now and forever through the love of Immanuel: God with us!