| Sun Dec 21 | am: 24, 29 pm: 8, 84 | Gen 3:8-15 | Rev 12:1-10 | John 3:16-21 |
on the Liturgical CALENDAR : ADVENT IV – O Antiphon’s O Rex Gentium
Many are inclined to look past the 4th Sunday of Advent, as Christmas is so close and there is too much to be done. But the church maintains that we observe this fully as the themes of today are essential to us embracing the promise that awaits us. The Fourth Sunday of Advent has the theme of Love. As this final week of Advent, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God’s love brought to us by the angel Gabriel, which is why, in addition to the Love Candle, it can also be known as the Angel’s Candle.
O Antiphon – O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.
Biblical Meditation: Psalm 8 is appointed for today calls us to ponder at God’s majestic creation and humanity’s special place within it, connecting this to Jesus as the ultimate “Son of Man,” made lower than angels but crowned with glory, fulfilling humanity’s intended role as God’s image-bearers to rule creation under Him, revealing God’s great love and purpose through the Incarnation, and inspiring awe and stewardship. It bridges Eden’s wonder to Bethlehem’s humility, showing Jesus as the true King who redeems creation, bringing hope and restoring our purpose to reflect God’s glory.
PRAYER: O Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, who from your throne beholds all the dwellers upon earth; whose greatness and power and glory and majesty are beyond compare, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Grant us, your humble servants, a spirit of awe and wonder, that we may rightly perceive and acknowledge your sovereign rule in all of creation; that our hearts might be filled with perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, and our lives consecrated for your glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Spiritual Discipline /Activity: Consider taking some time today to call a ministry in your area that specializes in meeting the needs of young women who are pregnant without the benefit of marriage. See what resources of time, treasure, and talent from your storehouse could be used to so that these young women feel the grace and grandeur of God.
Ancient Words/Present Grace: “The purpose and cause of the incarnation was that He might illuminate the world by His wisdom and excite it to the love of Himself.” — Peter Abelard, philosopher and theologian, 1142
SONG OF THE HEART, SONG OF THE SEASON: Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth