One of the best ways to start Advent is to honor our Lady’s Immaculate Conception.
On December 8, Mary was conceived immaculate in the womb of her mother, St. Ann. Our Lady’s birthday is nine months later, September 8.
The Blessed Virgin was preserved from sin because of the merits of her divine Son.
Our Lady’s perfect friendship with God made it possible for her to consent to the Archangel Gabriel when the time came for the eternal Son to become man.
The Annunciation took place on March 25, when Mary was thirteen or fourteen years old. The Lord Jesus was born nine months later, December 25.
So, by the plan of God, these two incredibly holy days–the day when our Lady was conceived in St. Ann’s womb and the day when the Lord Jesus was born–are in the same month, December.
Here is a link to the Immaculate Conception Novena prayers.
Father Mark White Blog 