On the fourth and last Sunday of Advent, we ponder the mystery of Christ’s incarnation (becoming human). We cannot help but think of the role of Mother Mary as the instrument in the birth of Christ. The Angel Gabriel came to her as she was praying. Told that God has chosen her to be the mother of the Son of God, she said: How can it be since I do not know a man.

Without Mary’s "fiat" (Latin word for consent), we would not be celebrating Christmas today or the history of salvation would have been rewritten. That’s how crucial the role of Mother Mary was.

For instance, when she gave birth to Jesus, there was no available room in the inn. She had to be contented to deliver her child in a cave where animals took shelter.

Then when Jesus was two years old, King Herod out of jealousy wanted to get rid of him. Joseph and Mary had to flee to Egypt in order to escape from the murderous king.

The peak of the suffering of Mother Mary was when her son Jesus was crucified to the cross.

The sufferings of the Blessed Virgin, we human children of God do also experience in our life.

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Once I solemnized the wedding of a friend. We had not seen each other for some time. When I met the couple, I asked: “How’s your marriage going?”

The husband said: “Father, I've found that there are three rings in marriage.” “That's new to me,” I replied. “And what are these?”

He said: "First, engagement ring; second, wedding ring; and third, suffering!"

Do not just accept your fate but rather do something to remedy it. The theologian Rheinhold Niehbur said: “God give me the courage to change the things I can change; the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; and to know the difference between the two.”

We greet each other "Merry Christmas!" Let’s also greet each other “Mary Christmas!” Without Mother Mary, there would be no Christmas. Thank you Mama Mary!

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Christmas ‘laffs.’ There are four stages in a man’s life. First, when he believes in Sta. Claus. Second, when he doesn’t believe in Sta. Claus anymore. Third, when he is Sta. Claus. Fourth, when he looks like Sta. Claus.

Overweight, over 40, and carrying the load of a bulging tummy—Santa would be a candidate for heart attack. Everybody, take note.

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