Mary believed the angel Gabriel’s message that she would give birth to the Son of God. On the other hand, incredulous Pharisees and scribes denied that Jesus could forgive the sins of a small group rewarded for their faith when they lowered a paralyzed man through the roof to ask for healing. Jesus then instructed the man to walk home with his stretcher in hand, showing undeniably the power of His words. The Lord compared the generation around Him to people refusing to respond either to a mournful dirge or dance music. Advent invites the faithful to repentance while looking forward to rejoicing. Do we respond in harmony with God’s will for us in the ways we prepare for the celebration of Christmas?