Signs of Advent’s passage and Christmas’s swift approach are everywhere in my house:

• The Paperwhite narcissus bulbs I planted just over two weeks ago have 10-inch tall stems. Several blossoms are about to pop open.
• The spaces on the Advent calendars are over half filled in.
• The first two candles on the Advent wreath are almost stubs.

Today we light the pink candle and say or sing the Magnificat or Mary’s song (Luke 1:46-55). Mary’s appearance in the readings are also an indication that Christmas is not far off.

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.'” (NRSV)