4th Sunday in Advent – Year B (2023)

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year B speak of the original Ark of the Covenant and of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant. In the first reading (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16) David wants to build a home for the Ark of the Covenant, and instead God promises to establish the house of David forever. The psalm (Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29) reiterates God’s promises to David. The second reading (Romans 16:25-27) praises God. And in the gospel (Luke 1:26-38) Gabriel the Archangel appears to the Blessed Virgin Mary and brings her the news that she has been chosen to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So perhaps talk about Mary and her role in our salvation. And think about how we can also be a dwelling place for our Lord. Here are some ideas:

Go See a Christmas Light Display

So spend a little time looking at the lights. Go see a large Christmas light display somewhere or just drive around your neighborhood and see how beautiful it looks. After you see some great displays, remind your family what the Bible says in John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke to the people again, he said: I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the light of life."

Sing Some Christmas Carols

We went to the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols last night at our kid's grade school. They put on a very nice presentation of carols and Bible readings. It made me think about how much caroling can help us think about the coming of the Christ child.

No No Game

This is a game for youth group or youth ministry where players try to get each other to say no. It could be used at a meeting about saying "yes" instead of "no". It also works in well with the Annunciation and Mary's fiat when she said "yes" instead of "no".

The Significance of Linus and His Blanket in A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas emphasizes the religious nature of the Christmas holiday. But did you ever notice that Linus drops his blanket during the show?

Pray the O Antiphons

The "O Antiphons" are part of the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for December 17 to December 23. In them, Old Testament imagery is used to proclaim the coming of the Christ child.  Incorporate them into your family prayer this advent.

Fiat – Reflection and Discussion Questions

The purpose of this reflection is to help youth understand what Mary's fiat ("let it be done") meant and to help them understand ways to say yes in today's world.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year B: Life Teen Summit Reflection

In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B. How good of a listener are you?

May It Be Done According to Your Word – Fiat

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

How Can This Be? (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes tells us how the Angel Gabriel answered the question “How can this be?”, which is the gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year B. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. Use these to prepare for Sunday Mass at home or for Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Yes No Game (Youth Group Game)

The Yes No game is a fun activity for your youth group or youth ministry meeting. It can be tied in with teaching by reminding us that we need to say "Yes" to God. It also works well with a meeting focused on our Blessed Mother, whose  "Fiat" ("let it be done") in answer to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation was an affirmation in her complete trust in the Lord.

Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25. This feast day commemorates the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.