As we wind down our Advent preparation and light the fourth candle on the wreath, we reflect this Sunday on the gospel story of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. This scene immediately follows the story of the Annunciation, where Mary conceived Jesus upon the announcement of the angel Gabriel. Loving service is Mary’s awe striking response to having been filled literally with the presence of God. The evangelist wrote that Mary traveled to the hill country “in haste.” She did not waste time. There was a great sense of urgency – the urgency to serve. She did not feel entitled for special treatment after having been asked to be the Mother of God. This tells us that if one is genuinely filled with the presence of God, the person cannot just live for oneself or live selfishly. One is always moved to serve. To embrace the true spirit of Advent then is to find ways for us to grow in loving service. In this way, others will feel the loving presence of God through us, and like John the Baptist, they would “leap in joy.” - Fr. Cary