Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

 

Did you have a peaceful week?  May the blessings of God be with all of you who are observing the Advent.  

 

The final Advent candle has been lit.  It is now the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Let us reflect and prepare our hearts for Christmas.  

 

The salvation starts with Immanuel (God is with us) to Alleluia (Praise the Lord).  In another word, it begins with Christmas and completes with Easter.  

 

During the rule of King Ussiah, Isaiah prophesized Immanuel: “Behold, a virgin will conceive, and she will give birth to a son, and his name will be called Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)  700 years after the prophecy, Immanuel arrived in the world; it is Jesus.  2000 years after Christmas, the Church is again prophesizing the coming of Immanuel: “Behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and you shall bear a son, and you shall call his name: JESUS.” (Luke 1:31)

 

With Jesus’ birth, we begin the salvation journey.  The mystery, which had been hidden for a long time, is now revealed; Angel Gabriel has been appointed to spread the salvation news.  

 

Maria obediently accepts Immanuel when visited by an angel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)  Mother Mary’s acceptance Christmas is the Advent.  

 

Our community has also been preparing for the Advent;

as we light candles and pray(1st Week of Advent),

as well as filling the low valleys and leveling the mountains(2nd Week of Advent).

We have been preparing for Christmas as we relive Jesus who is already with us(3rd Week of Advent).

 

It is now the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Let us spend the remaining time and prepare for a joyous Christmas.

Let us meditate.