2013 Advent Reflection by Shannon Kiley

Luke 1: 39-40
This gospel recognizes the joy in knowing Jesus’ presence. We are blessed and fulfilled in having faith in the Lord. In this gospel, upon Mary’s arrival to the house of Zechariah, Elizabeth’s heart is filled with the Holy Spirit and the baby within her womb leaps for joy. The Holy Spirit allows us to experience the presence of God. Both Elizabeth and her unborn son point to the Messiah’s coming; and anticipate His arrival with great joy in their souls. Advent is a time where we are called to point to Jesus’ presence and life through our faith life and good works. This Advent season we should choose to live in the JOY of our knowledge that God’s presence on earth is at hand.