Today, December 24, we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent so we light the fourth and last purple candle. This candle represents love and is also called the Angel’s candle. This candle is a symbol of the angel messengers who came to bring glad tidings of our Lord’s nearing presence. Mary, the mother of Jesus, will bring forth our Savior, who will model for us throughout His life love. His love for us is present in everything, even to the point that He gave His life for our sins, so that we could be saved.

This year the fourth Sunday of Advent also falls on Christmas Eve, the very night in which our Savior will be born in a stable. He did not come as a rich prince or a powerful warrior; no He humbled himself and came to us as a small quiet baby, born in a stable in the tiny town of Bethlehem. Yet, He is the powerful King of Kings. What a gift we have received! Let us include thanksgiving in our prayers this day for the miracle that changed the entire course of the world.

May you experience the love of Jesus within your heart, within your family, within your home and within your community.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Christmas!

PJP