4th Week of Advent - Emmanuel

The Sunday readings this week show Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about Emmanuel — God-with-us. Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew also shows that when God comes to be with us surprising things happen. Many readings this week continue in that vein, God brings new life into the world in surprising ways — Samson, Samuel, John.

The readings and liturgies of Advent have invited us to be attentive to God’s coming into the world. The prophetic readings from Isaiah have invited us to reflect on what it’s like when God comes close, bringing healing, restoration, and new life.

Advent picks up momentum in this fourth week. The sense of anticipation for the celebration of the Lord’s Nativity heightens. Similarly, our practical preparations for our Christmas celebrations take on a particular urgency. We can get caught up in the details of our to-do lists.

It’s more important than ever, then, to continue to take intentional time to notice the ways that God breaks into our lives. We make it hard for God to give us surprising new gifts if we’re not paying attention or open to receive them.

This week try to give yourself the gift of dedicated time and silence. Ask God for the grace to notice the ways he’s breaking into your life. Ask for the grace to be open to being surprised at the new life God brings when he comes to be with us.

Advent blessings!

Fr. Ben