Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Today we celebrate the fourth and final Sunday of Advent in 2021. During these weeks we have eagerly anticipated the celebration of Christ’s birth.  The fourth Sunday of Advent we meditate on the peace that Jesus brings our hearts and our world.

This week we focus our hearts on the “Lord of peace” who came down from heaven in the form of a baby.  As Covid 19 cases are once again on the rise our God knows that we are in a constant battle against fear! Fear wants to cripple us, to push us to react rather than carefully respond, and fear steals our joy. God has given us the gift of peace so we can live joy-filled lives!  This year we all have faced so much chaos and uncertainty. God’s peace is something we need to grab tightly onto more than ever. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time to joyfully await our King!

The fourth candle of Advent is called the “Angel Candle” and symbolizes peace. This name comes from the fact that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace (Luke 2:14). This week we are reminded that Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and to our world!

The O Antiphons of Advent began on December 17.

The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

December 17

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love:  come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:  come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people:  come to save us without delay!

December 20

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:  come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:  come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:  come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:  come to save us, Lord our God!                   

 —From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers

Let us live this week focusing on the hope, love, joy, and peace that the Christ child promises to bring us.