# Six‑day Christmas novena: The Visitation
*2015-12-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the Visitation narrative from Luke and leads a short novena prayer for the coming Christmas, emphasizing Mary’s faith and the joy of the unborn Christ.

## The Visitation Scripture

We read from the Gospel of Luke 1:39‑45: “Mary set out at once and went into the hill country, to a town in Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’”

## Reflection on Mary’s Faith

Bill notes that Mary’s quick response to the angel’s message shows her deep trust in God’s promises. He reminds listeners that, like Mary, we are called to believe that the promises spoken by the Lord will be fulfilled, even when the fulfillment seems far off.

## Novena Prayer

Father, Lover of life, the Church rejoices as we await the coming Child, foretold by the prophets and now entering the world like dew on a thirsty soul. May the earth tremble with the new energy from heaven, and may all hearts be refreshed. May we encounter our Redeemer, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

## The Lord’s Prayer

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; and 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.

*May the faith of Mary inspire us to trust fully in God’s promises as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth.*