The Institute for Christian Formation
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our news and newest resources!
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2016
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. When you light the candles on your Advent Wreath today you will light all four candles – three violet and one rose.
Prayerfully read and reflect on our readings for today. Saint Joseph is a main character in today's Gospel, Matthew 1:18-24.
As we know, Saint Joseph was a dreamer, literally! And today’s Gospel gives us the account
Today is December 18, which also means on this day our “O Antiphon” is “O sacred Lord” or, “O Adonai.” Today’s antiphon recalls the sacred Lord of ancient Israel who appeared to Moses in a burning bush and gave the Law on Mount Sinai. We ask this same Lord to come now to set us free.
There is a lovely book, “Go to Joseph,” featuring the beautiful illustrations of Saint Joseph by Brother Mickey McGrath and reflections on Saint Joseph from sixteen different authors. This would be a wonderful Christmas (or any occasion) gift.
Another wonderful reflection on Saint Joseph is the article, “A Father’s Faith” (Wisdom Borrowed from Saint Joseph) by Tom McGrath. You can access this article from America Magazine here.
Invite children to draw a picture of the angel appearing to Joseph in his dream. Children could also make a paper plate angel ornament for your Christmas Tree.
Attention Young Catholics Grades K-8
Announcing the 2016-2017 Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest! Twenty-four winners will be selected in this competition. Winning artwork will be displayed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. during Advent and Christmas 2017. Two grand prize winners will be selected and their artwork reproduced as the official Christmas cards of the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, Father Andrew Small, OMI
You can access an entry form here. Entries are due by January 31, 2017.
of one of his dreams. This is the dream when the angel tells Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary into his home, even though she is pregnant and they are not yet married, because the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. It is in this dream that the angel tells Joseph that this child is to be named Jesus.
The video below, “Joseph’s Dream Advent Reflection,” features the beautiful artwork of Brother Mickey McGrath.
Below is a reflection on today's O Antiphon.
