# The Christmas Novena – Sixth Day: The Visitation
*2008-12-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the sixth day of the Christmas Novena, focusing on the Visitation narrative from Luke and its significance for awaiting Christ’s coming.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen. Oh God, come to my aid; Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

## The Visitation (Luke 1:39‑45)

Today is the sixth day of our Christmas Novena, December 20th, and we meditate on the Visitation. “Blessed is she who believed.”

Mary set out without delay to a town in Judah and entered the house of Zechariah, greeting Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out with great joy, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why is this me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

The child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting. “Blessed is she who believed the promise made to her by the Lord,” the angel had said. This moment reminds us of the joy that fills the Church as we await the coming of Christ, announced by the prophets and now entering the world like dew on a dry soul.

## Prayer of Thanksgiving

Father, love of life, your Church shines with joy while awaiting your Child. May the earth tremble with the new energy from heaven, and may we close this novena with prayer and song, encountering the fruit of the Redeemer who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

## Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Closing Doxology

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

*The Visitation reminds us that faithful belief brings divine joy, preparing our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.*