Fourth Sunday of Advent “ O Rex!”
† Sunday 24th December 2000
Cycle of Prayer: Expectant Mothers

Theme: Let Christ come into our lives

A reading from the Prophet Micah 5 : 1 - 4
The prophet, in writing about the return of the exiles to the Temple mount in Jerusalem, and the beginning of the reign of God - the era of peace, also explains that the Messiah sent to save the people, will come from Bethlehem in Judea. “Out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; his origins go back to the distant past, to the days of old....he himself will be peace.” When asked by King Herod where the Messiah might be born, the learned experts remind him of this prophecy about Bethlehem. Christians will note the similarities with the narratives about the birth of Jesus.

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews 10 : 5 - 10
The words put into the mouth of Christ by the writer of this letter, are actually from one of the psalms, which may have been used at the royal coronation of the Kings of Israel in former times. Expressing the readiness of the chosen king to put himself totally at the service of God and of God’s People. The words : “God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.” are particularly apt for the mission and the person of Jesus.

Gospel according to Luke 1 : 39 - 45
Elsewhere in Luke’s narrative, the marginalised, the poor, the women, are shown by the evangelist as enjoying the Lord’s special favour. Here the pious woman Elizabeth, filled with admiration at the handiwork of the Lord, is so moved with Messianic joy. that she proclaims of Mary, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb…blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

© Peter Harrison 2000

Liturgical Note:
Christmas Day
Many pastoral communities,will be celebrating later a Midnight Vigil Mass and the Solemnity of Christmas which is on Monday 25th December 2000.