Advent Reflections Day 9 (8th December 2025)

1st Rdn: Gen 3:9-15.20
Psalm 98:1bcde, 2-3ab. 3cd-4 (R. 1ab)
2nd Rdn: Ephesians 1:3-6. 11-12
Gos: Luke1:26b-38

Today, we take a break from the usual advent readings to celebrate the solemnity of the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through this solemnity, the church teaches us that Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin, “that twist in our nature that makes our will tend not to follow what it knows to be right”. (See https://universalis.com/africa.nigeria/20251208/today.htm) It was this grace that made her to be able to say yes to God when she received the message of Angel Gabriel.

In the Gospel reading, the angel told Mary that she had been favoured by God. When we reflect upon the grace God has bestowed on us, we, too, will discover that we enjoy God’s favour. For instance, in the second reading, St Paul told us that we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places”. He stated further that God “has destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ”. Paul describes the grace we have received as a “glorious grace” and that God has “destined and appointed us to live for the praise of his glory”. St Peter also told us in his letter that “… you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light”. 1 Peter 2:9 (Good News Bible)

Brethren, there is no doubt that we occupy a special place in God’s heart and that He has loved us with an evalasting love. However, we must be aware that the main strategy of the devil is to make us doubt our identity in Christ. This is how he decieved Eve. He told her that when she eats the forbidden fruit, she will become like God. But the truth is that she was already like God, for she was created in His image and likeness. (Gen 1:27)

Brethren, it is on account of the great love God has for us that despite our fallen state, He came from heaven to redeem us and to restore us back to the glory that He gave us in the beginning of creation. This is what Christmas is about; in the words of St. Anthanasius, “God became man, so that man might become god.” See John 10:34 and Psalm 82:6 “Ye are gods, sons of the Most High”.

As we continue to anticipate the birth of our Lord, let us ask God to grant us a deeper revelation of our identity in Him, amen.

Written by Bro Damilola Akinmuwagun