Advent Weekday on December 20

• First Reading – Isaiah 7:10-14: God offers Ahaz a sign, which he refuses. Isaiah then prophesies a divine sign: a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Emmanuel, symbolizing God’s enduring presence.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 24: The Lord owns all creation, having established it. Only the pure in heart can approach His holy mountain, receiving blessings and seeking the face of the God of Jacob.
• Gospel – Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel announced to Mary in Nazareth her divine selection to bear Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Initially troubled, Mary questioned how, being a virgin. Gabriel assured her of the Holy Spirit’s role and cited Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy as proof of God’s power. Mary humbly accepted her role, expressing obedience to God’s will.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

Luke 1:13

The readings for an Advent Weekday on December 20 focus on themes of trust, God’s promises, and the coming of Jesus. Isaiah foretells the sign of Emmanuel, while the Gospel recounts the Annunciation, where Mary receives news from the angel Gabriel about Jesus’ birth. Each theme reflects God’s plan and human response during this special time of Advent.

• God’s Promise of a Savior: Isaiah speaks of a promised Savior who will be called Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” This promise brings hope and reminds us of God’s faithful love and commitment.
• Mary’s Trust in God: When Gabriel brings unexpected news, Mary shows great trust. Her willingness to accept God’s plan shows how we are called to respond with trust, even when we do not fully understand.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Gospel reading highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in Jesus’ conception. It shows how the Holy Spirit works in bringing about God’s plans, both in Mary’s life and in ours.
• The Importance of Saying Yes: Mary’s acceptance of Gabriel’s message is a powerful “yes” to God’s will. It teaches us that saying yes to God can lead to blessings and the fulfillment of His plan for us.
• Signs of God’s Presence: In both readings, God offers signs of His presence and purpose. Isaiah’s prophecy of Emmanuel and the angel’s visit to Mary are clear signs that God is actively present among His people.
• Courage to Accept God’s Plan: Mary’s response to the angel’s message is marked by courage and faith. Her example inspires us to embrace God’s plans for us, even when they require great trust and courage.

The readings for an Advent Weekday on December 20 remind us of God’s ongoing presence and plan in our lives. They encourage us to trust, listen, and respond to God, as Mary did, with openness and courage.

An Advent Weekday on December 20 brings us closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The readings highlight key themes like God’s promise of Emmanuel, the Holy Spirit’s role in bringing God’s plans to life, and Mary’s willingness to accept God’s will. These themes encourage us to trust in God’s presence, open our hearts to the Spirit’s guidance, and say yes to His call.

Emmanuel: God With Us

On an Advent Weekday on December 20, the first reading from Isaiah introduces us to the promise of a Savior called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This name reflects God’s commitment to being present with His people, even in times of challenge or doubt. It assures us that God is not distant but is near, offering hope and support.

This message is not only for the people of Isaiah’s time but also for us. God’s promise to be with His people did not end in the past; it continues today. The coming of Jesus as Emmanuel fulfilled this promise in a real and visible way. Jesus, as God in human form, brought God’s presence into everyday life, sharing in both joy and suffering.

Reflecting on this theme reminds us to find comfort in God’s presence, especially in moments of struggle. Just as God promised to be with the people of Israel, He is with us now, walking alongside us. This Advent, we are invited to remember that God is always present, guiding us and offering hope through His love.

The Holy Spirit Brings God’s Plan to Life

The Gospel reading for an Advent Weekday on December 20 tells the story of the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the Holy Spirit’s active role in bringing about God’s plans. The Spirit’s work is central not only to Jesus’ birth but also to the lives of all believers.

The Holy Spirit is the force behind the fulfillment of God’s promises. In Mary’s life, the Spirit enabled what seemed impossible. It brought God’s presence into the world through Jesus. This same Spirit is still active, guiding us and helping us to follow God’s will, even when we do not fully understand His plans.

The reading invites us to trust in the Holy Spirit’s power. Just as the Spirit worked in Mary’s life, it works in ours, bringing God’s plans to life. When we open our hearts to the Spirit, we allow God’s will to unfold in ways we might not expect, but always in ways that are good.

Saying Yes to God’s Will

Both readings for an Advent Weekday on December 20 emphasize a theme of accepting God’s will. Isaiah speaks of a promise that requires faith to believe, while Mary’s response in the Gospel shows a willingness to accept God’s call. Mary’s yes is not without questions, but it is rooted in trust and obedience to God’s plan.

Mary’s response shows that saying yes to God’s will often involves stepping into the unknown. She does not fully understand how everything will unfold, yet she agrees, trusting in God’s guidance. Her willingness becomes a model for believers, reminding us that God’s call may come in unexpected ways, asking us to trust Him even when the path ahead is unclear.

This theme invites us to reflect on our own willingness to follow God’s call. Are we ready to say yes, even when it challenges us? This Advent, we are encouraged to be open to God’s will, knowing that He guides us with love and a desire for our good, just as He did with Mary.

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The reflections for an Advent Weekday on December 20 invite us to find hope in God’s promise, to recognize the Spirit’s work in our lives, and to be open to God’s will. As we continue through Advent, let us renew our trust in God’s guidance, allowing His love and purpose to unfold.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the promise of Emmanuel, for the work of the Holy Spirit, and for Mary’s example of trust. Help us to welcome Your presence, follow Your Spirit, and embrace Your will with courage and faith. Guide us always. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How does the promise of Emmanuel bring you comfort in challenging times?
• In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit working in your life?
• What makes it difficult for you to say yes to God’s call?
• How can Mary’s example of trust help you in your own faith journey?

Word on Fire: Letting Go

In Bishop Barron’s reflection for an Advent weekday on December 20, he meditates on the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will be the mother of God. Mary’s initial confusion and fear, given the gravity and implications of this role, are highlighted. Despite understanding the potential for shame, exile, and suffering, Mary responds with faith and acceptance, declaring herself the handmaid of the Lord. This is a pivotal shift in salvation history: where Adam and Eve’s disobedience marked the beginning of human tragedy, Mary’s surrender to God’s will heralds the start of divine redemption. He notes how medieval commentators saw Mary’s “Ave” as a reversal of “Eva” (Eve), symbolizing a turning point from human fall to divine salvation.

USCCB Reflection: Recognizing Emmanuel

This USCCB video reflection for an Advent weekday on December 20th centers on the concept of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” It highlights the awareness of God’s presence in the lives of various biblical figures such as the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth, the shepherds, and wise men. Mary’s experience, marked by an angelic visitation and her complete surrender to God’s will, exemplifies the profound impact of acknowledging Emmanuel. The reflection invites us to notice the signs of God’s presence in everyday life, from waking up each morning to unexpected observations during a daily commute. It emphasizes the importance of surrender and prayer in recognizing and embracing Emmanuel, encouraging reflection on moments when God has been evidently present in our own journeys.

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah

Dr. Brant Pitre offers an enlightening exploration into the biblical foundations of Catholic beliefs about Mary. By tracing connections from the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation, Dr. Pitre skillfully illustrates how ancient Judaism and the Old Testament underpin the understanding of Mary as the new Eve, the Mother of God, and the new Ark of the Covenant, answering pressing questions about her role and significance in the Christian faith. (Sponsored)

What are the Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 20?

The Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 20 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 7:10-14: The Sign of Emmanuel
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 24: The Earth Belongs to the Lord
Gospel – Luke 1:26-38: Mary’s Divine Calling

What is the significance of Emmanuel in Isaiah’s prophecy for an Advent Weekday on December 20?

Isaiah speaks of Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This name reminds us that God is near, guiding us and bringing hope during Advent as we prepare for Jesus’ coming.

What lesson can we learn from Isaiah’s prophecy?

Isaiah’s prophecy teaches us to trust in God’s promises. It assures us that God will fulfill His word, even when circumstances are challenging.

Why does Isaiah offer a sign in his message for an Advent Weekday on December 20?

The sign is meant to reassure the people of God’s presence and promise. It is a reminder that God is always working to fulfill His promises, even when we face uncertainty.

Why does the angel Gabriel visit Mary in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 20?

Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. This moment is key in God’s plan for the coming of the Savior.

How does Mary respond to Gabriel’s message?

Mary responds with trust and acceptance, agreeing to God’s plan. Her willingness shows how we can respond to God’s call with trust, even when it is unexpected.

Why is Mary’s “yes” important in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 20?

Mary’s “yes” is important because it shows her complete acceptance of God’s will. This teaches us the importance of saying yes to God in our own lives.

What role does the Holy Spirit play?

The Holy Spirit plays a key role in bringing about Jesus’ birth. The Holy Spirit’s presence shows how God’s plans are carried out through His power and guidance.

How can we apply Mary’s example to our lives?

Mary’s example encourages us to be open to God’s plans. By trusting God and being willing to follow His guidance, we can live faithfully like Mary.

How does the Annunciation show God’s love for His people?

The Annunciation shows God’s plan to bring Jesus into the world to save humanity. It reminds us of God’s closeness and care for all people.