MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 12 DECEMBER
December 12, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT LUCY OF SYRACUSE – 13th DECEMBER
December 13, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 DECEMBER, 2025
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then 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.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“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.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this sacred encounter, the angel Gabriel announces God’s astounding plan to Mary—a young, humble girl from Nazareth. Mary’s initial fear turns into courageous surrender as she listens, questions sincerely, and ultimately yields her entire life to God’s purpose. Her words, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” reveal a heart that trusts God beyond understanding, beyond fear, and beyond personal plans. This moment marks the beginning of salvation entering the world in human form. Mary shows us that true faith is not blind obedience, but a willing openness to God’s will, even when it stretches us beyond what seems possible. Her “yes” becomes a model for every believer who seeks to cooperate with God’s grace.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on Mary’s trust and surrender, grant me the grace to welcome Your will in my life with the same humble openness. Calm my fears, strengthen my faith, and help me to say “yes” to the plans You place before me. May Your Spirit guide my thoughts, decisions, and actions, so that I may carry Christ into the world through love, obedience, and service. Shape my heart to respond with courage and devotion, just as Mary did. Amen
