The Fourth Week of Advent: December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Angel’s Candle

The candle name for the Fourth Week of Advent is called the Angel’s candle.

It was the Archangel Gabriel who announced the greatest news ever told to the Virgin Mary: God becoming man! It was the angels who appeared to the shepherds in the field proclaiming the marvelous deeds of what God has done. We read the angel say, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord," (Luke 2:10-11). The angels bask in the light of God’s love in Heaven. These messengers come and share the love of God.

That is the final theme the fourth candle represents: love. Indeed, this word is overused. Yet, it is the most powerful word. God revealed Himself as Infinite Love. St. John makes the extraordinary claim that “God is love,” (1 John 4:7). Moreover, He is a communion of Love – the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Love is self-giving, sacrificial, and wills the good of another person. The greatest act of love is when Jesus lays down His life for us. The wood of the crib leads to the wood of the cross.

During this final week of Advent, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. This is the last week to prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas. Are you ready?

Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent:

“Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.”