As we approach the final Sunday of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and hope for the coming of Christ. The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on the themes of promise, fulfillment, and the profound peace that comes with the arrival of our Savior.
What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time. It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them. We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.
Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink. The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer. Purple is also used during Lent. Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple. During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up. Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.
The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy." We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth. As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath. See the link at the end of this post.
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a
The first reading from the Book of Micah speaks of a promise made to the small town of Bethlehem:
"Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace."
This prophecy highlights the humble origins of the Messiah, who will come from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. Yet, from this small place will emerge a ruler whose greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. The promise of peace is central to this passage, reminding us that true peace comes from the strength and majesty of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
The responsorial psalm echoes the theme of divine intervention and the longing for God's presence:
"Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us. Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name."
This psalm is a heartfelt plea for God's intervention and salvation. It reflects the deep yearning of the people for God's presence and protection. The imagery of the vine and the son of man emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people, and the psalmist's trust in God's saving power.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
In the second reading, the author of Hebrews reflects on the significance of Christ's coming:
"Brothers and sisters: When Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, "As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God."' First he says, 'Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.' These are offered according to the law. Then he says, 'Behold, I come to do your will.' He takes away the first to establish the second. By this 'will,' we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
This passage emphasizes the fulfillment of God's will through the incarnation of Christ. Jesus' coming into the world marks the end of the old sacrificial system and the establishment of a new covenant. His obedience to God's will and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross bring about our sanctification and redemption.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
The Gospel reading recounts the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth:
"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'"
This beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is filled with joy and recognition of God's work. Elizabeth's proclamation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, acknowledges Mary as the mother of the Lord and celebrates her faith. The leaping of the infant John in Elizabeth's womb signifies the joy and anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Reflection
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on the fulfillment of God's promises and the profound peace that comes with the arrival of Christ. From the humble town of Bethlehem to the joyful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, we see the unfolding of God's plan for our salvation.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts to the peace and joy that Christ brings. May we, like Mary, respond with faith and trust in God's promises. Let us also be mindful of the ways we can bring peace to others, following the example of the Prince of Peace.
In this final week of Advent, let us rejoice in the knowledge that God is with us, and His love and mercy are ever-present. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and homes, guiding us on our journey of faith.
: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm)
: [Catholic Doors Ministry](https://www.catholicdoors.com/homilies/2025/241222.htm)
: [Association of Catholic Priests](https://associationofcatholicpriests.ie/homily-resource/22-dec-2024-4th-sunday-in-advent-c/)
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