Fourth Sunday of Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent History

The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final week of the Advent season, which serves as a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. During this period, Christians around the world focus on the themes of hope, peace, love, and joy as they anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ. Several important aspects of this observance include the lighting of the fourth Advent candle, usually referred to as the "Angel's Candle" or "Candle of Love," and the reading of specific Scriptures that describe the role of Mary, Joseph, and the angels in the Nativity narrative.

The observation of the Fourth Sunday of Advent has a relatively brief history, as the first record of the Advent season being celebrated in the United States dates back to the early 19th century. The themes of the Fourth Sunday of Advent center on the importance of love, compassion, and selflessness, which are valued virtues across various denominations and religious communities.

To observe the Fourth Sunday of Advent in America, churches often host special worship services, wherein the fourth Advent candle is lit, and the readings for the day are shared. Many families also have their own Advent wreaths at home, where they light the additional candles each week and engage in prayer or reflection together. The date of the Fourth Sunday of Advent varies annually as it depends on the specific placement of Christmas. It always occurs on the Sunday closest to Christmas, falling anywhere between December 18th and the 24th.

Fourth Sunday of Advent facts

• The Fourth Sunday of Advent relates to the birth of Christ. As such, the candle for the Fourth Sunday is known as the Angel's candle.
• The theme for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is peace. In an account by Evangelist Luke, upon the announcement of the birth of Christ, an angel said Peace on Earth, Good will toward men.
• The Advent wreath is believed to have been used as early as the 16th century. German theologian and pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern is credited with the modern practice of lighting candles as part of the wreath.
• The first recorded observance of Advent in America was in the late 18th century. However, the season of Advent wasn't widely recognized until the mid-19th century when waves of immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia brought the tradition with them to America.
• It's a practice in some American households to bake a Christingle (a symbolic object made from an orange) on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. This tradition aims to teach about Jesus being the light of the world.

In the News and Trending in the US for Fourth Sunday of Advent

Top things to do in the US for Fourth Sunday of Advent

• Pray and rejoice in peace. The Fourth Sunday represents peace. Peace can be reached despite trouble or conflict through God's love.
• Attend an event or Mass in celebration of Advent. Be sure to abide by CDC guidelines and social distance.
• Listen to a liturgical podcast. Here is one suggestion: Fourth Sunday of Advent.
• December is a great time to volunteer and help those less fortunate. Many charities and organizations need extra help during the holiday season.