An Advent pondering: "Look at the example of Mary. When the angel of the Lord comes to her, she doesn't say, 'Behold, I am sufficient to raise the Son of God. I have what it takes.' Rather, Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). Mary does not say she is adequate to the task, but rather, she is available. That is what God asks of us."

-Kimberly Hahn