Micah 5:1-4 / Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated as early as from the seventh century.
From early sources there were stories of the birth of Mary, and from these sources we also learnt the names of Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne, as well as the tradition that the couple was childless until an angel appeared to Anne and told her that she would conceive.
The birth of Mary was also miraculous. She was conceived without sin as a special grace because God had selected her to become the mother of His Son.
Hence the birth of Mary is also closely connected with the feast of her Immaculate Conception which is celebrated on December 8.
The significance of the feast of the birth of Mary emphasizes that the birth of every person is a sign of hope and a renewal in faith in the God of life and love.
For Mary, God has chosen her and prepared her to be the channel and the instrument through which the Saviour Jesus Christ would come into the world.
So in celebrating Mary's birthday, we celebrate our faith and hope in God who is the source of all life and love.
We rejoice with Mary for the marvels that God has done for her and done through her.
Because through Mary, God sent us His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through Mary, we know that God is with us always.
For that, we rejoice and celebrate with Mary and together with her, we give thanks and glory to God.