1 John 4:16
December 18, 2022
FEAST OF SAINT ANASTASIUS I, POPE – 19th DECEMBER
December 19, 2022
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 Mt 1:18-24 – This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
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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 !
