These are the last words of our New Testament reading, from 1 John: ‘He who does the will of God abides for ever’. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: ‘Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done’. These might seem strange words for the Christmas Octave; but the event of the Incarnation rests upon Mary’s obedience: ‘Let it be to me according to thy Word’.

So as we rejoice in these days, let us affirm our own obedience to the Lord, knowing that ‘in His will lies our peace’ and our joy. May God bless you this day.