THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

By Decent Inc

Image of Candle of fourth week of Advent
Image of Candle of fourth week of Advent

By Edward Matulanya 

Explore the meaning and traditions of the Fourth Week of Advent in the Catholic Church, from Scripture readings and liturgical symbols to prayer.

1. The Fourth Week of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church, Preparation for Christ’s Birth

The Fourth Week of Advent marks the final stage of spiritual preparation in the Catholic Church before the celebration of Christmas. Advent, which spans the four Sundays leading up to December 25, is a season of anticipation, reflection, and renewal of faith (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], n.d.-a). This final week emphasizes love, readiness, and joy as the faithful prepare to welcome Christ.

2. Themes and Reflections of the Fourth Week of Advent

The central theme of the Fourth Week is the spiritual readiness to receive Christ. Each week of Advent traditionally emphasizes a different virtue such as hope, peace, joy, and love. The Fourth Week particularly highlights love, reflecting God’s gift through the Incarnation (Catholic Resources, n.d.). Reflection during this week often focuses on Mary’s “yes” to God at the Annunciation, offering believers a model of faith and obedience (Catholic Education, n.d.).

3. Scripture Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Scripture readings guide the faithful in meditation and preparation.


First Reading, Isaiah 7:10–14 prophesies the coming of Emmanuel, “God with us” (USCCB, n.d.-b).

Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 24 emphasizes God’s majesty and divine guidance (USCCB, n.d.-b).

Gospel, Matthew 1:18–24 recounts Joseph’s obedience and the fulfillment of prophecy with the birth of Jesus (USCCB, n.d.-b).

These Sacred Scripture underscore the anticipation of the Messiah and encourage believers to prepare their hearts spiritually.

4. The Significance of Mary in the Fourth Week of Advent

Mary, the Mother of God, is central to the Fourth Week of Advent. Her acceptance of God’s plan embodies obedience, faith, and love (USCCB, n.d.-b). Catholics reflect on her role to deepen their own spiritual readiness and commitment to God’s will (Catholic Education, n.d.).

5. Prayer Practices During the Fourth Week of Advent

Prayer practices during this week include daily Mass attendance, recitation of the Holy Rosary, personal Scripture reflection, and participation in novenas such as the O Antiphons (USCCB, n.d.-a). Lighting the Advent wreath serves as a daily reminder of the growing anticipation of Christ’s birth (Catholic Relief Services [CRS], n.d.).

6. Liturgical Colors and Symbols

Advent’s liturgical color is violet, representing penance and preparation, while the third Sunday traditionally features rose to symbolize joy (USCCB, n.d.-a). The Advent wreath, typically evergreen with four candles, symbolizes eternal life and the progressive light of hope, peace, joy, and love (Catholic Resources, n.d.; CRS, n.d.). During the Fourth Week, all four candles are lit, representing the near fulfillment of Christ’s coming.

7. Preparing Your Heart for Christmas

Spiritual preparation during the Fourth Week involves prayer, reflection, reconciliation, and acts of charity (USCCB, n.d.-a). Lighting all four candles on the Advent wreath symbolizes the completion of the waiting period and encourages believers to receive Christ with joy and love (Diocesan Catechetical Services, n.d.).

8. Fasting, Penance, and Almsgiving

Though less rigorous than Lent, Advent includes fasting, penance, and charitable works as expressions of readiness for Christ’s coming (USCCB, n.d.-a). Acts of service during this week reflect love and imitation of Christ’s compassion (CRS, n.d.).

9. Hymns and Music of the Fourth Week of Advent 

Music enhances reflection and anticipation. Traditional Advent hymns like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming are often sung during Mass and family prayers, reinforcing the season’s themes (Catholic Resources, n.d.).

10. Celebrating Advent at Home

Families can celebrate the Fourth Week of Advent at home by lighting the full Advent wreath, reading Scripture, praying together, and performing acts of charity (USCCB, n.d.-a; CRS, n.d.). This practice helps translate liturgical preparation into daily life and communal reflection.

11. The Role of the Angel Gabriel and the Annunciation

The Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear Jesus, is a focal point of the Fourth Week. Catholics meditate on Luke 1:26–38 to understand Mary’s faith and willingness, offering inspiration for personal spiritual openness (USCCB, n.d.-b).

12. Connecting the Fourth Week to Christmas Mass

The Fourth Week of Advent bridges preparation and celebration. It helps believers transition from anticipation to welcoming Christ in the Nativity celebration and Christmas Mass (USCCB, n.d.-a). Participation in liturgy, prayer, and reflection ensures the faithful enter Christmas with hearts ready to receive Christ.

References

Catholic Education. (n.d.). The liturgical season of Advent. https://catholiceducation.org/en/culture/the-liturgical-season-of-advent.html

Catholic Relief Services. (n.d.). Advent wreath: A 4-week guide. https://www.crs.org/advent-wreath

Catholic Resources. (n.d.). The Advent season: Sources for liturgy and prayer. https://www.catholic-resources.org/Lectionary/Seasons-Advent-Christmas.htm

Diocesan Catechetical Services. (n.d.). The Advent wreath: Meaning & blessing (PDF). https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Advent2023FamilyResources/advent-wreath-symbolism.pdf

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.-a). What is Advent? https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.-b). Fourth Sunday of Advent Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm

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