The First Christian
Immaculate Conception
December 8, 2003

The First Christian
by Tom Cox

Generations have grown up on a diet of film where, with the last gasp and clip of film, the side of good triumphs. No such Hollywoodism for those who gather to celebrate the Feast of The Immaculate Conception. This Feast is more about beginnings than endings, bringing us right back to Genesis and to Mary’s traditional parents Joachim and Anne in whose womb she was immaculately conceived.

It’s strange then perhaps that the Gospel reading rolls us forward to the Annunciation.

More curious still that we rarely think of Mary’s experience of pregnancy. Our Lady of Guadalupe being the only image of the Madonna pregnant. A pity, as it can help us on our Advent journey. Being a Christian in some ways resembles pregnancy – it should be obvious by the way one acts, thinks, talks, by one’s very life. Just as old clothes no longer fit, so being a Christian should mean not fitting into old habits but living for Christ. Pregnancy means joy, sacrifice, concern, new life, pain and changing and of course actively waiting.

On this December 8th, are you full of Christ? Or is that a pregnant silent pause I hear from the pew.

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )