Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Fourth Sunday of Advent is the final Sunday before Christmas. The anticipation reaches its peak as we stand on the threshold of the Nativity. This Sunday focuses on Mary and the events immediately preceding Jesus' birth.

Mary's "Yes"

The Gospel for this Sunday often features the Annunciation or the Visitation—moments that reveal Mary's central role in salvation history:

"Mary said, 'Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.' Then the angel departed from her." — Luke 1:38

Mary's fiat—her "yes" to God—made possible the Incarnation. In her womb, God took on human flesh.

The Visitation

Another Gospel option recounts Mary's visit to Elizabeth:

"When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" — Luke 1:41-42

Even before his birth, Jesus' presence brought joy and the Holy Spirit.

Joseph's Dream

Matthew's Gospel tells the story from Joseph's perspective:

"But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph's obedient faith mirrors Mary's.

The O Antiphons

The final week of Advent features the O Antiphons, ancient prayers that address Christ with titles from Isaiah: O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Rising Sun, O King of Nations, O Emmanuel. Each cries out: "Come!"

Almost Christmas

The Fourth Sunday of Advent often falls very close to Christmas, sometimes on Christmas Eve itself. The preparation is nearly complete. The waiting is almost over. Emmanuel—God with us—is about to arrive.

Final Preparation

This is the last opportunity to prepare our hearts. What remains undone? What confession needs to be made? What reconciliation needs to happen? The King is at the door.