FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT: Responding with Love
SCRIPTURE: Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
LITANY:
Leader: Our response is “O God, we sing your praise.” Few will sing your praises forever, O God, for your constant love shown to your people! R
Leader: For the wonders you have done among us, we shout your name all day long. R
Leader: We sing about the abundant grace of your mercy shown to all generations! R
Leader: Our souls magnify you for the promise of joy and new life! R
Leader: We joyfully sing your praise for that gift of Love that came down to earth on Christmas. R
Light all four Advent Candles
PRAYER
God of the ages, like Mary, may our souls reflect your greatness and our spirits rejoice in you, for you have looked with favor on us and done marvelous things. May our lives be a response to the love you have shown us in Jesus, born of Mary, who lives forever and ever. Amen.
Reference: PrayersForLightingAdventCandles.pdf (stmaryalexandria.org)
December 24, 2023: Week 4-Fourth Sunday of Advent. Light all three Purple/Violet and Rose Candles—Joy
Entrance Antiphon (Is 45:8): Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.
Fourth Sunday of Advent | USCCB
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Intercessions: O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
Christmas Eve Prayer
Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.