Gospel: December 24, 2023

(Sunday)

4th Sunday of Advent

Psalter: Week 4 / (Violet)

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27 & 29 (2a)

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 162nd Reading: Romans 16: 25-27

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and his reign shall have no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of God. Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible.” Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.

Lectio Divina:Read: In the first reading, God promises David that he will establish his kingdom and his royal line forever. This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, a birth announced by the angel Gabriel in today’s Gospel. in his Letter to the Romans, Paul explains that Jesus’ birth is part of God’s plan for our salvation and the cause of our joy.

See Also

Of walls and windmills

Reflect: Our time of preparation and anticipation is almost over. The Lord is near. For what are we waiting? David waits for confirmation that his royal line would be secure and long lasting. Many of the people of Mary’s time waited for a military leader who would overthrow the Roman occupation and bring a return to Israel’s glory days. We may be waiting for our family celebrations and the present exchange. But the true gift, the gift of inestimable value, is the gift of eternal life that Christ brings to those who believe in him. Though our Advent is almost over, our wait continues. We will continue to wait, to prepare, and to long for the day when our earthly journey will be completed and we will see God face to face.

Pray: Lord, make us ready to receive you.

Act: Take a moment of silence in the midst of the bustle to give thanks to God.