FEAST OF SAINTS IRMINA AND ADELE, ABBESSES – 24th DECEMBER
December 24, 2023
Luke 2: 10-11, 13-14
December 24, 2023
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This final Advent will culminate next Sunday with Christmas Day and the lighting of the Christ candle, the fundamental reason we celebrate Christmas.
But today, on this Fourth Sunday of the season, we light the candle of LOVE! John 3:16 reminds us of God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
On this 4th Sunday of Advent, light all three violet candles and the rose candle on your Advent wreath and pray that the light of Christ will enter your heart so that you may share the warmth of God’s love with those you meet.
TODAY’S GOSPEL
Lk 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.
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On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes Love. It reminds us that God is Love.
Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. … JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU! COME, LORD JESUS, COME !
