Faith that Conquers: My Christmas Wish

December 19, 2022

Jesus – the center of it all. 

Despite what department stores and secular Christmas movies may be selling, this time of year – at its core – is still Jesus. 
And though this ancient story begins with a baby – it first began with a “yes.” Mary’s yes. When greeted by the Archangel Gabriel, our Blessed Mother was offered a proposal to accept God’s will with her “yes.” 

It did not necessarily come easy. Mary was “greatly troubled” at the angel Gabriel’s greeting. (Luke 1: 29) 
So the angel said to her: “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” (Luke 1: 30-31.) 

“He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High…,” the angel Gabriel continued. “And of his Kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1: 26-38) 

Mary questioned how this could be, since she had no relations with a man. But the angel Gabriel promised her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Luke 1: 25.) 

With great faith and trust, Mary responded: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 38)

Her “yes.” 

And so it is with us. God does not force his will upon us, nor force himself into our lives. He longs for the door to open, awaiting our yes – to accept his son Jesus into our hearts. 

God’s love; a personal relationship with Jesus, is the only thing that will fill the void in our hearts – one we try filling with distractions, sports, fashion and entertainment. Despite our best efforts, these things will never fill the space God has reserved for him alone.

My Christmas wish: to grow even deeper in love and relationship with Jesus. I’ve given Jesus my “yes” many times over. And each time, my prayer is very similar: “Please, Lord, come into my heart, permeate my being and help me become the person you want me to be.” 

“Lord, please help me to do your will. Please use me as your instrument.” 

When busy, tired, and distracted, I pray even more fervently that I will give Jesus my “yes” – particularly with my time. “Lord, please increase in me the desire to know and love you better, and give you my time that you so deserve,” I pray. 

I say these prayers before moments of weakness strike. After a long day at work, for example, when I’m tempted to watch Netflix or mindlessly scroll through my phone while planted on the couch. A night wasted with no thought or attention given to Jesus, who has been waiting all day for time with me – for time with you. 

Jesus, I long to know and love you. Please help me continue to give you my “yes” this Christmas and every day in the new year. 

Kelly Mescher Collins is a multimedia journalist for the Diocese of Des Moines. She can be reached at kcollins@dmdio cese.org or 515-237-5054.