O Mary Conceived Without Sin

It's never really easy preaching or teaching about the Immaculate Conception of Mary and especially on the solemnity which occurs right before Christmas and with a gospel reading of the Annuciation to Mary of the Virgin birth.

"O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us," helps us keep matters straight in our head and our hearts. Through the merits of Jesus' suffering and death, Mary was preserved from original sin in order that she could serve as fitting bride for the Holy Spirit and be Theotokos, "God-bearer" for all humankind. 

All within a few weeks, we give thanks for God's twofold gifts to us: Mary, whose Immaculate Conception particpates in the greatest gift of all, the Incarnation though which the Son of God shared in our human nature and redeemed us all.