4th Sunday of Advent
The final preparation before Christmas. Mary and the mystery of the Incarnation.
Bibelsk grunnlag
The Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38): the angel Gabriel announces that she will bear God's Son. Mary's response: "Behold, I am the Lord's servant." Mary's song — Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). The visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45). Joseph's dream in which the angel tells him that the child is from the Holy Spirit (Matt 1:18-25). Isaiah 7:14: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son."
Betydning
The Incarnation — God becoming human — is the central mystery. Mary represents the receptivity of faith: she says yes to something she does not fully understand. Joseph's obedience shows the submission of faith. The day points directly toward Bethlehem — God is about to come.
GT-forbindelser
Isaiah 7:14 concerning the sign of the virgin. Micah 5:2 concerning the ruler from Bethlehem. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 concerning David's throne, which shall stand firm forever — the promise fulfilled in Jesus. The Book of Ruth as part of Jesus' ancestral line through Obed, Jesse, and David.
Liturgisk kontekst
Last Sunday before Christmas. Often falls very close to Christmas Eve. Many traditions sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" on this Sunday. The focus on Mary is strong in both Catholic and Lutheran tradition.
Historie
The Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) has been celebrated since the 400s as the date marking the beginning of the Incarnation — nine months before Christmas. The 4th Sunday of Advent took up the theme of Mary in the liturgical preparation for Christmas.