Everywhere we look there are signs. They point us to destinations, tell us when to use caution, where to go to find something, seek help and so on.

What are the signs we find at this time of the year? The weather has changed, the leaves have fallen, brilliant light displays are everywhere, the stores are jammed, sales are shouted from the radio and plastered all over the papers. People are rushing around just a little more than usual, driving a little more erratic, less courteous than ever. There is an urgency that I detect, but for what?

As Catholic Christians, we sense that something bigger is at stake here in the hustle and bustle. It isn’t just about gift buying, cookie making and wrapped presents. There is an event that looms ahead in a few short weeks that begins again, renews and reminds us that Immanuel God is coming. He hasn’t forgotten us, and comes to us as an innocent child ready to take on the world and all that disturbs it.

At this time of the year, I love listening to Point of Grace, A Christmas Story. When Love Came Down starts off the playlist and reminds us that it is Love that came at Christmas. What we need to combat the chaos is Love. It is God’s love that transforms hate into love, despair into hope, pain and hurt into meaning.

It is one of my favorite Christmas albums it puts everything into perspective and prepares the path for the coming of Love into the world. The whole Cd is a beautiful journey through what matters most at this time of the year…and to be lived throughout the whole year.

Amy Grant is still the all-time favorite for Breath of Heaven and a beautiful reflection that is so appropriate for this Feast of the Immaculate Conception. What must it have been like, a young woman to whom Gabriel appeared, “Hail favored one! The Lord is with you…Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God. Behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and be called Son of the Most High…” (Luke 1:28-32)

Let us ponder and reflect this day of the gift that Mary too brought to the world, Her fiat set salvation in motion. Her yes is a model for us. At God’s request we too can say yes to all that He asks; most especially today in the midst of the turmoil, materialism, and selfishness that pervades our world.

What yes will we consent to in our own lives to bring light to the darkness?

Our consent to God’s will can transform our hearts, our families, and our world if we but humbly, willingly surrender our lives to God?

In imitation of our Blessed Mother, say yes, and let God make a miracle out of our life.