4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 22, 2024
Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
- 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 1:39-45: 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.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Luke 1:42
Themes for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C prepares us for the coming of Jesus. The readings highlight important themes for our reflection.
- God’s Promise: God promises to send a ruler from Bethlehem. This promise shows God’s faithfulness.
- Humble Beginnings: Jesus is born in Bethlehem, a small town. This shows that God often works through humble beginnings.
- Obedience to God: Jesus came to do God’s will. He shows us the importance of obeying God.
- Joyful Expectation: Mary visits Elizabeth, and they rejoice. This reminds us to be joyful as we wait for Jesus.
- Blessed Among Women: Elizabeth calls Mary blessed. Mary is blessed because she believed God’s word.
- Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus offers His body for our sins. This shows His great love for us.
Reflecting on these themes for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C helps us understand the readings better. They guide us in our preparation for Christmas.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C.
Resources for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 22, 2024
Blessed Bearer – Lesson Plan on Evangelization
The Blessed Bearer lesson plan for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C focuses on how we can bring Christ to others, like Mary did with Elizabeth. Mary brought Jesus to her cousin, and Elizabeth recognized Him. This encounter happened through their relationship.
Similarly, we bring Christ to others through our relationships, starting with those we know and care about. Evangelization is most effective with people we have a connection with, coming from a place of love. Even if our friends already know Jesus, we can work together to deepen our faith.
Blanket Carry Relay Game
The Blanket Carry Relay Game is perfect for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, connecting with the Gospel of Luke 1:39-45, where Mary carries Jesus to Elizabeth. Teams of five each take turns carrying a teammate on a blanket around a cone and back.
This outdoor game emphasizes teamwork and sharing the joy of Christ’s presence. Each member gets a chance to be carried and to carry, symbolizing how we bring Christ to others through our actions and relationships. The first team to complete all rotations wins.
The Hail Mary Prayer
The Hail Mary prayer, especially the middle part, echoes Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-45. On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, we remember Elizabeth’s words, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
This greeting forms a central part of the Hail Mary, highlighting Mary’s special role and her faith in God’s promise. This prayer helps us reflect on Mary’s unique mission as the mother of Jesus, especially as we prepare for His birth.
Resources and Lesson Plans for Advent
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas and the second coming of Christ. The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C focuses on the final preparations for our Lord’s coming. Common practices include increased prayer and acts of charity, which deepen our relationship with God and extend love to others. These practices reflect the spirit of Christ’s coming, helping us to live out His message of love and kindness.
Engaging in Advent traditions and service ideas enhances our readiness and joy for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. For more ideas and lesson plans, click here.
Psalm 80: A Cry for God’s Help and Restoration
Psalm 80 calls for God’s help to restore our world and is fitting for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C. It asks God, our Creator and Shepherd, to save and renew us. Acknowledging our misuse of the world and mistreatment of each other, the psalm seeks guidance for change and new attitudes. It emphasizes the beauty of God’s creation and our need to care for it.
The prayer requests God’s help to love our world and each other, asking for renewal and new life, reminding us that we can change with God’s help.
Understanding the Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews, often called just “Hebrews,” is a New Testament letter to Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith. On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, the second reading, Hebrews 10:5-10, compares Jesus to Old Testament priests. The writer explains that Jesus is the perfect high priest who offered Himself as the final sacrifice for our sins.
Unlike the old priests who offered animal sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice is complete and brings a new covenant. Hebrews shows that Jesus is greater than angels, higher than Moses, and fulfills the Jewish faith in a perfect way.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Luke
On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, the Gospel reading is Luke 1:39-45. This passage tells the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, calls Mary blessed among women and praises her for believing God’s promise.
This encounter highlights the joy and recognition of Jesus’ presence even before His birth. It also underscores the important roles of women in the Gospel of Luke and their faith in God’s plan. This story shows the fulfillment of God’s promises and the joy of His coming.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 22, 2024
- Why Mary Matters (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Face to Face: Fear to Fiat (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- A Time for Fulfillment and Peace (USCCB)
- How to Collaborate with God Every Day (Dynamic Catholic)
- The Visit: Hospitality, Humility, and Hope (Order of Preachers)
- Give Up the Ego-Drama! (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Mary as the New Ark (Jeff Cavins)
- A Mother’s Greeting (Scott Hahn)
Why Mary Matters
In this reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Mary as the central Advent figure, emphasizing her vital role in bringing Christ into the world. She is called the “New Eve,” reversing the disobedience of the first Eve with her humble “yes” to God. Mary is also the “Ark of the Covenant,” bearing the presence of God within her, as seen in the Visitation where John the Baptist leaps for joy, echoing David’s joy before the ancient Ark. These titles show Mary as an active participant in God’s plan, not just an example from history but a collaborator in salvation.
Bishop Barron also reflects on other Marian titles, like “Tower of David,” symbolizing her strength in spiritual battles, and “Mother of Good Counsel,” offering guidance and wisdom to believers. Mary, the “Undoer of Knots,” patiently resolves the complexities of life for those who seek her intercession. As Advent concludes, believers are encouraged to invoke Mary, trusting her to bring Christ to birth within their hearts.
Face to Face: Fear to Fiat
In his homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on fear of the unknown and how it connects to our preparation for meeting God. He explains that Advent is a season to prepare for Christ’s coming—at Christmas, in our daily lives, and at the end of time. Using Mary’s response to the angel, “Let it be done to me,” Fr. Mike emphasizes transforming fear into trust. Mary didn’t know how God’s plan would unfold, but her trust in God turned fear into a “fiat,” teaching us to embrace the unknown with faith.
Fr. Mike also addresses the fear of our inner lives, the hidden faults that may cause us to hesitate before God. He assures us that God’s mercy is greater than our sins, shame, or guilt. Jesus carries the weight of our sins and is actively working to forgive and heal us. By trusting in God’s mercy and love, we can transform our fear into a confident “yes,” preparing our hearts to meet the Lord face to face.
A Time for Fulfillment and Peace
In the USCCB video for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Fr. Greg Friedman reflects on the beauty and mystery of this season, where families gather and generations share memories. He acknowledges both the joy and the pain of the season, as many remember loved ones or experience loneliness. The prophet Micah offers hope in the promise of a shepherd-Messiah, whose birth fulfills ancient prophecies and brings peace. This shepherd, rooted in the lineage of David, bridges the old and new covenants, as symbolized in Luke’s Gospel by the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth.
Fr. Friedman also highlights the letter to the Hebrews, which contrasts the old sacrifices with Jesus’ ultimate act of self-giving that consecrates all who follow Him. These final days of Advent invite us to reflect in prayer and storytelling, preparing our hearts to welcome the one who fulfills humanity’s longings for peace: Jesus Christ, born into our world.
How to Collaborate with God Every Day
On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Matthew Kelly reflects on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, where John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing the presence of God in Mary’s womb. Elizabeth blesses Mary, praising her faith in God’s promise. From this encounter, we see humility and collaboration with God’s will. Elizabeth’s words inspire the Hail Mary, reminding us of Mary’s example of faith and service.
Kelly emphasizes that God speaks to us constantly—through Scripture, people, and life events. When we listen and believe, blessings flow. He highlights the collaborative nature of salvation history, where God invites humanity to work with Him. Mary and Elizabeth’s collaboration with God’s plan reveals His preference for partnership in bringing about His will. Each of us is called to discern how God invites us to collaborate with Him in our lives and to trust in the blessings that result from faith and action.
The Visit: Hospitality, Humility, and Hope
On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Sister Beth McCormick reflects on the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth as a model of hospitality, hope, and faith. Mary, carrying Jesus, and Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist, greet each other with humility and joy, recognizing God’s presence in their lives. Elizabeth’s blessing of Mary underscores their mutual faith and trust in God’s promises. Their encounter is a powerful reminder of how openness to one another can reveal God’s grace.
Sister Beth draws parallels to the challenges of today, particularly in how society treats immigrants and the vulnerable. She calls us to embrace a culture of welcome, countering fear and division with love and dialogue. Mary and Elizabeth’s meeting inspires us to create spaces for meaningful encounters and build relationships rooted in compassion and hope. Their visitation is a guide for fostering unity and inclusivity in our communities.
Give Up the Ego-Drama!
In his homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Visitation. He highlights Mary’s haste to visit Elizabeth, showing her awareness of her divine mission. Barron contrasts the narrow “ego-drama” with the expansive “Theo-drama” that Mary embraces.
He compares Mary to the Ark of the Covenant, bringing God’s presence. Elizabeth’s recognition of Mary as the “mother of my Lord” highlights this. Barron urges us to join this Theo-drama, proclaiming Christ and embracing our spiritual mission with enthusiasm.
Mary as the New Ark
In his reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Jeff Cavins explains Mary’s role as the new Ark of the Covenant. He draws parallels between Mary and the Ark, noting that both went to the hill country and were met with joy. Cavins highlights the gifts Jesus brings: the Word of God, the Eucharist, and access to the Father.
He encourages believers to receive these gifts with faith and joy, just as Mary did. This reflection underscores the importance of Mary’s “yes” in bringing Jesus to us.
A Mother’s Greeting
In his reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, Scott Hahn explains the true identity of Jesus as revealed in the Church’s Liturgy. Jesus is the promised ruler from Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecies of an heir from David’s line who will reign forever. He is the “shepherd of Israel” and our high priest.
Elizabeth recognizes Jesus’ presence when John leaps in her womb, and she blesses Mary for her faith. Mary fulfills God’s promises, giving birth to our Savior at Christmas.
Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C brings us closer to the birth of Jesus and invites us to reflect on important themes. Through the readings from Micah, Hebrews, and Luke, we learn about God’s promise, the importance of humble beginnings, obedience to God’s will, and recognizing Jesus in our lives. Reflecting on these readings helps prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas.
God’s Promise in Humble Beginnings
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C brings us the first reading from Micah, which speaks of a ruler coming from Bethlehem. This small town does not seem important, yet it is chosen by God. This teaches us that God often works through humble beginnings.
Bethlehem is not a grand city, but it becomes the birthplace of Jesus. This shows that greatness can come from small and simple places. We are reminded that God values humility and often chooses what the world might overlook.
God’s promise to send a ruler from Bethlehem shows His faithfulness. He keeps His promises, no matter how small the beginnings. We can trust that God has a plan for each of us, even if it starts in humble places.
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C encourages us to see the potential in our own humble beginnings. We should not be discouraged by small starts but trust that God can do great things through them. By embracing humility and trusting in God’s promises, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
Obedience to God’s Will
The second reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C highlights Jesus’ obedience to God’s will. In Hebrews, Jesus declares that He came to do what God wanted, not what He wanted. This teaches us the importance of putting God’s will above our own desires.
Jesus offers Himself as a sacrifice, showing the ultimate act of obedience. This is not just a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to following God’s plan. We are called to follow Jesus’ example by seeking and doing God’s will in our lives.
Obeying God can be challenging, especially when it goes against our own plans. However, the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C reminds us that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God’s purposes. This obedience leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life.
Reflecting on Jesus’ obedience encourages us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to sacrifice our desires to follow God’s will? The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C calls us to commit to this path, preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus through our acts of obedience and faith.
Recognizing Jesus in Our Lives
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C reminds us to be always looking for signs of God’s presence in our lives. The Visitation, where Mary visits Elizabeth, is full of joy. Elizabeth recognizes Jesus when her baby, John, leaps in her womb. This moment shows us the importance of being open to God’s presence in everyday moments.
Elizabeth could have dismissed her baby’s movement as just another kick. Instead, she saw it as a sign of something bigger. She recognized it as a moment of grace and the closeness of redemption. This teaches us to see God’s hand in small, everyday events.
Jesus came to us as a baby in Bethlehem, but He also comes to us in our daily lives. If we only see Him in the nativity scene, we miss many moments of grace. We need to be ready to encounter Him in our interactions with each other. Through prayer and the sacraments, we prepare ourselves to recognize and welcome Jesus every day.
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C encourages us to be watchful and open to God’s presence. Like Elizabeth, we should be aware of the signs of grace around us. By doing so, we prepare our hearts for Jesus and experience the joy of His coming, not just at Christmas but every day.
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C helps us prepare for Christmas by reflecting on God’s promise, the importance of humble beginnings, obedience to His will, and recognizing Jesus in our daily lives. As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let us open our hearts to these lessons and live them out every day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to see Your presence in our daily lives. Guide us to be humble and obedient to Your will. May we recognize and welcome Jesus in every moment. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
- How does the promise of a ruler from Bethlehem inspire you?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ humble beginnings in Bethlehem?
- How can you practice humility in your own life?
- In what ways can you seek to do God’s will above your own desires?
- What sacrifices might God be calling you to make?
- How can you be more open to recognizing God’s presence in everyday moments?
- How does Elizabeth’s joy at recognizing Jesus challenge you?
- What are some small signs of grace you might have overlooked?
- How can you prepare your heart to encounter Jesus daily?
- How can prayer and the sacraments help you recognize Jesus in your life?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Mary’s visitation to her cousin Elizabeth was in a certain sense the first Eucharistic procession in history.
Pope Benedict XVI
The first act of charity we can do for our neighbour is to offer a serene and smiling face. It is to bring them the joy of Jesus, as Mary did with Elizabeth.
Pope Francis
Music Suggestions for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 22, 2024
Music for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C should reflect themes of anticipation, joy, and God’s promise. Choose hymns that celebrate the coming of Jesus and His role as the Savior. Songs that highlight Mary’s faith and her visit to Elizabeth are fitting, as well as pieces that emphasize Jesus as the perfect sacrifice and high priest. Look for music that invites the congregation to reflect on the joy and hope of the Advent season, encouraging a deeper connection to the themes of the readings.
- Be Joyful, Mary by Daughters of St. Paul
- Benedictus by Steve Angrisano & Curtis Stephan
- Blessed Be the God of Israel
- Christ, Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
- Find Us Ready, Lord by Tom Booth
- For You Are My God by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Gospel Canticle (Benedictus) by Bernadette Farrell & Owen Alstott
- Hail Mary: Gentle Woman by Daughters of St. Paul
- Holy Is His Name by John Michael Talbot
- How Can I Keep from Singing by Audrey Assad
- In Every Age by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker
- Luke 1: My Soul Rejoices by Owen Alstott
- My Soul in Stillness Waits by Marty Haugen
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Daughters of St. Paul
- O Come, Divine Messiah by Robbie Seay Band
- Patience, People by John Foley
- People Look East by Marty Haugen
- Psalm 80: Lord, Make Us Turn to You by Francesca LaRosa
- Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan
- Rain Down by Jaime Cortez
- Say to the Frightened Heart by Bob Hurd
- Sing of Mary by Roland F. Palmer SJE & Ralph Vaughan Williams
- Sing Out, Earth and Skies by Marty Haugen
- The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came by Sabine Baring-Gould & Randall Debruyn
- The Cry of the Poor by John Foley
- The Whole World Is Waiting for Love by Kathy Poelker
- To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul by Bob Hurd
- Waiting in Silence by Carey Landry
- Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
Music directors and musicians, try these selections and see how they resonate with your congregation. Share your experiences and suggest your own choices in the comments. Let’s work together to enhance our worship and prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Questions and Answers for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
What date is the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
The next date is Sunday December 22, 2024.
For other years see the links below:
4th Sunday of Advent Year A
4th Sunday of Advent Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday December 22, 2024 are:
First Reading – Micah 5:1-4A: The Ruler from Bethlehem
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: Turn to the Lord for Salvation
Second Reading – Hebrews 10:5-10: Christ’s Willing Sacrifice
Gospel – Luke 1:39-45: Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth
What is the main message of Micah 5:1-4A?
In Micah 5:1-4A, God promises to send a ruler from Bethlehem. This shows that even a small place can be important in God’s plan.
Why is Bethlehem important in the first reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
Bethlehem is important because it is the birthplace of Jesus. It shows that God works in unexpected ways.
What does the second reading for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C teach us?
Hebrews 10:5-10 teaches us that Jesus came to do God’s will. He sacrificed Himself for our sins.
How can we apply the message of Hebrews 10:5-10 to our lives?
We can apply this message by trying to do God’s will in our lives. We should follow Jesus’ example of obedience and sacrifice.
Why did Mary visit Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45, the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
Mary visited Elizabeth to share her joy and help her. This visit shows the importance of supporting each other.
What does Elizabeth mean when she calls Mary “blessed” in the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
Elizabeth calls Mary “blessed” because Mary believed God’s promise. This teaches us the importance of faith.
How can we live out the theme of joyful expectation from the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
We can live out joyful expectation by being hopeful and positive. We should look forward to Jesus’ coming with joy.
What lesson do we learn from Jesus’ humble beginnings in Bethlehem?
We learn that God values humility. Great things can come from small beginnings.
How does the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C prepare us for Christmas?
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C prepares us by focusing on the coming of Jesus. It helps us understand the importance of His birth.
Why is obedience a key theme for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C?
Obedience is a key theme because Jesus obeyed God’s will. We are called to follow His example in our own lives.
A Time of Joyful Expectation
On the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C, the readings center on the coming of Jesus, the promised Savior. In the first reading from Micah, we hear about Bethlehem, a small town chosen to be the birthplace of a future ruler. This ruler will bring peace and shepherd God’s people, reminding us that God often works through the humble and unexpected.
The second reading from Hebrews highlights the willing obedience of Jesus. Unlike the old sacrifices, Jesus offers Himself fully to do God’s will. This perfect sacrifice opens a path for all to draw near to God, showing that love is not only about giving but about giving entirely.
In the Gospel of Luke, Mary visits Elizabeth, who is also expecting a miraculous child. The encounter is filled with joy, as John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting. Elizabeth blesses Mary’s faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s promises, even when they are beyond understanding.
Your Turn
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C invites us to prepare our hearts for Jesus. The readings call us to recognize God’s humble ways, embrace Jesus’ complete obedience, and celebrate the joy of faith.
As we reflect on these themes, let us consider how we can trust in God more deeply. Share your thoughts and experiences of this Advent journey in the comments below.
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