Fourth Sunday of Advent 2024 - Year C

Gospel for the day - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:39-45 ‘Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Most women fall pregnant in a context of joyful anticipation and this delightful gospel scene is one such. Their joy is such that even John in the womb joins in!

In letting God into her life Mary will experience both joy and sadness – both must be embraced if her relationship with her God is to become even closer. Mary is the role model for all of us in this way.



  1. Often we find ourselves turning to God in times of sadness or crisis and less so in times of great joy and happiness. Let’s spend some time this week being thankful for all the blessings that God has given us.
  2. When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


For Pope Francis, who turned 88 during last week, that he receives the strength to continue his commitment, to inspire us in his quest for peace between nations, and his plea for all to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
May the church throughout the world be a beacon of light and vision in these challenging times, as we unite in saying the words of Advent hope. Maranatha.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


For world leaders, whose countries are filled with doubt and conflict, inequality and injustice. May their hearts be opened this Christmas to a new awakening to bring peace, freedom and understanding, to protect the most vulnerable in our midst.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For the land that is called Holy, as we journey towards the birth of the Christ Child. May the Holy Spirit, as a source of peace, strengthen and uphold those pursuing an end to violence.
May the light of the peace of reconciliation overwhelm the darkness of destruction, so that all, whether they are Christian, Jew or Muslim, can seek the way of friendship and respect.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For all refugees, in particular expectant mothers, for whom there is no country and are forced to journey. May they receive the strength to carry on and the courage to walk the road ahead, and may they experience compassion and welcome at the end of their travels.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For ourselves, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our saviour. May we give thanks for the many ways we are blessed. For family and friends, and the gift of Jesus, who shows us the true meaning of Christmas. May we become instruments of grace reflecting God’s universal love to those amongst us who are struggling with life’s challenges.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


For all who are ill or weighed down by anxiety and depression. May they feel the healing presence of God in those who care for them. In particular we pray for Father Alex and all on the Prayer Foundation list.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


For those who have died recently Doreen Lamb, Marie Purden, Dinah Porteous, Eddie McKelvey, Freda Horrocks, Patricia Hunter & Theresa Martin and all who mourn.
May they receive the deep peace of the Lord
Come Lord Jesus, come.



We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Luke 2:41-52 ‘Jesus is found by his parents sitting among the teachers.’


The parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.’ And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


It’s every parents’ nightmare: their child has gone missing... The joy of discovery is diminished somewhat with Jesus’ talk of being about “my Father’s affairs” - not speaking about Joseph. It is yet another sign that this ordinary family by Jewish standards contains the seeds of the extraordinary within.

Yet, if every child is a child of God then every family is a holy one; and every member’s heart beats with a divine spark that has the potential to be extraordinary.


  1. Think of the members of your family and what special talents or skills that each one has which makes them other than ordinary. Think of these talents as your gifts from the child born on Christmas day.
  2. How would you have reacted if you were Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the Temple?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center