The early days of Advent were meant to be like Lent – a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ, including fasting. The 3rd Sunday then became the “Joy Sunday”, a day to break your fast and celebrate the birth and return of Christ. Today’s reading is from Luke, the portion that we know as the Magnificat. This is Mary’s song expressing her thankfulness to God for the extraordinary gift that had been given to her. The Christmas story Is a continuous flow of surprises – an elderly barren woman giving birth, a humble young woman being chosen by God, and the gift of a child born in the lowliest circumstances. Celebrate the joy of the invasion of the heavenly realm into our daily life!