Immaculate Mary Pray for Us
It is only fitting that the feast of the Immaculate Conception occurs during Advent.  Mary was born without original sin since her body would be the temple of the Word made flesh, born in time to live among us. 
When we ask for Mary’s intercession, we recognize that Mary is the reflection of the Son who is the source of everything that is good and everything that is holy.  We also recognize her as blessed among all women since she is full of God’s grace.  Each day we recall in the words of the Angelus that because Mary accepted the message of the angel Gabriel, salvation was won. 
As we sing the beautiful Marian hymns on this solemn feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us read through the Gospel passage from Luke 1:26-38 slowly, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord this Advent.