1 Samuel 1:28
Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.
In today's readings, we are introduced to Hannah and her son Samuel, whom Hannah gives to the Lord, through Eli. In the gospel reading from Luke, we hear the prayer of Mary, known as the Magnificat and are introduced to the Nativity narrative of John the Baptist and Jesus. Three mothers and three sons. All of the mothers offering their gifts of their children to the Lord. In both readings today the mothers are giving God all of the praise while making a great sacrifice. But no sacrifice is greater that God's gift to us in his son Jesus Christ. We cannot outdo God in his generosity, but we can do our best. In Advent most of us are out buying gifts for loved ones. Let us remember to not only give gifts to our friends and loved ones but to God and those that serve the Lord. Remember those ministries that serve the community, especially the less fortunate, the downtrodden, the forgotten. That would be a great gift to God in this season of hope.
