As we transition from Advent to Christmas, we prepare to meet Jesus Christ, who is “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us”. With joy, then, we open our hearts and let the Lord enter, for he is the King of Glory!
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
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Let’s explore the themes in the readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
1st Reading – Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm – 24:1-6
2nd Reading – Romans 1:1-7
Gospel – Matthew 1:18-24
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
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Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
We call upon the Lord as Emmanuel which means “God is with us” when we are alone, exhausted, searching and sinful. May we turn to the Lord in our need and rejoice in the saving power of God!
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The Virgin in Adoration of the Child, Correggio, 1518-1520, Ufizzi, Florence, Italy.
Study: Consider a time when you received great news. How did it change you?
Pray: Is there some way that you can share your life? Ask God for guidance and strength.
Serve: Do you see an opportunity to make a difference with your life? Act on it!
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
“God is with us!” The name Emmanuel signifies to Joseph that the child of Mary will bring the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. We are not alone…God is with us.
How do we live that great message? Does it shape our lives? Redefine our words and actions? Fill us with hope, life, peace, and joy? Does it inspire us to love one another, forgive one another, and dedicate our lives to healing the woundedness and division that are present in our world?
God is with us. Rejoice! God is with us. Repent! God is with us. Live each day as the precious and sacred gift that it is – given to us by God.
Joseph took the words of the angel to heart and cooperated with God’s plan of grace. May we live this day, aware of what God has done for us, and ready to make the most of this wondrous gift of life.
Three Great Things 