4th Sunday of Advent

The 4th Sunday of Advent focuses on waiting for Jesus with hope and trust. In all three years, the readings speak about God’s promises. In Year A, Joseph trusts God and accepts Mary and the child Jesus. In Year B, Mary says yes to God with faith and humility. In Year C, Mary visits Elizabeth, and both women rejoice in what God is doing.

These readings show that God works through ordinary people. He asks for faith, even when things are hard to understand. Joseph, Mary, and Elizabeth all listened to God and believed in His plan. The Sunday before Christmas reminds us to welcome Jesus with the same faith and joy.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

4th Sunday of Advent Year A
4th Sunday of Advent Year B
4th Sunday of Advent Year C

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Advent readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 7:10-14: God told Ahaz to ask for a sign. Ahaz refused, but Isaiah said God would give a sign: a virgin will bear a son named Emmanuel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 24: The Lord owns the earth and all who live in it. Those with pure hearts and clean hands can stand in his holy place and receive his blessings.
• Second Reading – Romans 1:1-7: Paul, a servant of Jesus, greets the believers in Rome. He emphasizes Jesus’ divine and human natures and wishes them grace and peace.
• Gospel – Matthew 1:18-24: Joseph planned to divorce Mary quietly when he found out she was pregnant. An angel told him in a dream to take her as his wife because the child was from the Holy Spirit.

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year B readings here.

• First Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16: God reminds David of his humble beginnings and his journey to kingship, promising an enduring dynasty and a peaceful kingdom for Israel, signifying an everlasting covenant.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: I celebrate the Lord’s enduring kindness and faithfulness, affirming His eternal covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty and unwavering mercy to his descendants.
• Second Reading – Romans 16:25-27: God strengthens us through the gospel and Jesus Christ, revealing the long-hidden mystery now known globally, leading to obedient faith. To God be eternal glory through Christ. Amen.
• Gospel – Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary in Nazareth, greeting her with divine favor. Mary, initially troubled, learned she would miraculously conceive Jesus, the promised Son of God and eternal King in David’s lineage. Gabriel reassured her through the Holy Spirit’s role and Elizabeth’s similar miracle, affirming God’s omnipotence. Mary accepted her divine calling with humble submission, embracing God’s will.

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Micah 5:1-4A: God promises a ruler from Bethlehem, whose origins are ancient. He will shepherd Israel, bring peace, and his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: We ask God to show His power, care for His people, and give us new life. We seek His presence and salvation.
• Second Reading – Hebrews 10:5-10: Christ’s arrival meant replacing old sacrifices with his own body, fulfilling God’s will. His sacrifice made us holy once and for all.
• Gospel – Luke 3:10-18: Mary visited Elizabeth, whose baby leaped for joy upon hearing Mary. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blessed Mary for her faith and for bearing the Lord.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the complete collection of sacred books. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass. It contains selected readings from the Bible, arranged by day and season. The Lectionary does not follow the Bible’s order. It follows the Church calendar instead. It includes readings for Sundays, weekdays, and special feasts.

The Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle: A, B, and C. Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. John is read during special seasons. Each Mass has a lectionary number. For example, the 4th Sunday of Advent in Year C is Lectionary 12. In the U.S., the readings come from the New American Bible.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 4th Sunday of Advent helps us get ready for Jesus. It is a time to wait with trust. Each year, the readings show people who believed in God’s promise. They said yes, even when they did not understand everything.

In Year A, Joseph listens to an angel in a dream. He chooses to care for Mary and the child Jesus. In Year B, Mary listens to the angel Gabriel. She says yes to God and becomes the mother of Jesus. In Year C, Mary visits Elizabeth. They both praise God for what He is doing.

The 4th Sunday of Advent reminds us to trust God. Mary and Joseph had questions, but they still believed. They waited with hope. We are invited to do the same as we prepare for Christmas.

The 4th Sunday of Advent is a time to think about how we wait for Jesus. The readings show faith, hope, and trust.

Take a moment to read them. Think about what God may be asking of you. Share your thoughts or experience in the comments below.