Fourth Sunday of Advent

As this is running behind schedule, please accept my late Advent apologies. The following post includes the proper for this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005. As the day of Christmas draws near, may the Holy Spirit kindle within our hearts the warmth of God's saving love and mercy, inspire acts of compassion toward those who are struggling during this holy season, and draw us closer to the throne of grace to hear the incarnate Word, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and to welcome his presence into our lives. He is indeed the promised One of the ages, Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14), a name that means "God is with us" (Matthew 1:23)!

Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal One,
who was incarnate for us,
have mercy upon us.


Advent Proper 4: "The Annunciation of our Lord to Joseph"

Prayer:
Almighty Father, by the message of an angel, you inspired faith in your servant Joseph, that he might become the spouse of the virgin Mary and the guardian of your Son. By your Spirit inspire in us the courage of Joseph, that we may be ever willing to undertake the works of our faith and to trust in the grace that you have shared with us. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:
Genesis 49:8-10
Numbers 24:15-19
Psalm 24:1-6

Psalm 24:1-6

Wisdom:
Psalm 80:14-19
Song of Songs 6:9-10

Prophets:
Isaiah 2:2-4
Isaiah 25:6-10
Isaiah 29:17-20
Micah 5:1-4

Deuterocanonical:
2 Maccabees 10:1-8

Apostolic Epistle:
Romans 16:25-27
1 Corinthians 4:5

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 2:24-29
Revelation 12:1-6

Gospel:
Matthew 1:18-25

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A , B, and C
Isaiah 2:2-4
Psalm 24:1-6
Romans 16:25-27
Matthew 1:18-25

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, you have gathered us together as your people, who now await the glorious return of your Son. From this eucharist send us forth to invite others into this fellowship of faith, hope, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.