tion for the 4th Sunday of Advent: December 18, 2022

The lighting of the fourth Candle of our Advent Wreath signifies our entry into the final week of the Advent Season. These past weeks of waiting in joyful expectation of the coming of our Lord Jesus has brought some light into the darkness that many people have been experiencing in this world.  Christ is our bright and shining Light!

Symbolized by the lighting of each candle on the Advent Wreath, we celebrate Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Our hope rests on Jesus, our rock. From generation to generation, the scriptures and the prophets tell us of the hope that Jesus’ coming brings to the world. Love is the name of God. It is love that gives Jesus to this world. Joy is our expression of rejoicing in all that God is doing in our lives and the expectation of God’s continued presence in our lives. Peace is God’s gift to us both at Jesus’ birth and in Jesus’ resurrection.

A friend of mind suggests that Advent is a season of reflection on our obedience to God. After lighting the fourth candle of our Advent Wreath, we have an entire week to reflect on our obedience to God as it relates to hope, love, joy, and peace. Have our lives been changed through our reflection on the themes of Advent? 
    
The Gospel for this Sunday speaks of Mary and her husband Joseph’s obedience to God. This obedience leads to bringing forth Jesus, the Savior of the World. The conflicts and challenges that both Mary and Joseph experienced, did not stop them from trusting in God’s mission for them. This nativity story traces the heritage of Joseph through the generations. Throughout this story, there is the affirmation that it is the Spirit that gives life. As we continue our reflection this week, how have we allowed the Spirit to bring life to a world searching for renewed life? How has the Spirit given us life?