Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C


This is the 4th Sunday of Advent. The difference this year is that we are graced with a full week to prepare for Christmas next Sunday. 

Throughout these past weeks, Advent wreaths have been lit al over the world in homes & churches. Did you know that each week of Advent has a particular focus?

~ Week One - HOPE, the anticipation of Christ's birth

~ Week Two - PEACE/FAITH, the journey to Bethlehem & preparing the way of the Lord

~ Week Three - JOY, the reminder of the joy of Jesus' nearing birth

~ Week Four - LOVE, the reminder of God's endless love & that He IS love

As we light our 4th candle throughout this next week, let us turn our hearts & minds to Christ's coming birth & His great love for each of us. Think specifically of how much He loves you, personally. May we turn our focus to the words of today's Gospel -- "...and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, 'God is with is.'"

God is love & God is with us! This is the most important thing to remember. We should acknowledge His presence in our lives & let His love within us shine on those around us. Running out of time to make all those Christmas cookies, get the decorations up, purchasing extra gifts? Don't stress or worry! All those things on your to-do list this week are not the truly urgent things. Remember the cliche, but oh-so-true phrase..."Jesus is the Reason for the Season!" 

(Besides -- the Christmas season actually BEGINS on Christmas Day & goes through the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus on January 15, 2023!)


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