The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final stage before the celebration of Christmas. At this point, believers are called to light the fourth candle in the Advent wreath, known as the Candle of Love. This light, often the last violet candle, symbolises divine love, a love without conditions, embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ. While the first three Sundays have allowed us to meditate on hope, peace and joy, this fourth Sunday calls us to open our hearts to welcome and share love.
Love in the Context of Advent
Christian love, symbolised by this candle, is an unconditional and universal love. In the Christian tradition, the coming of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity. This Sunday reminds us that Christmas is above all a celebration of this immeasurable love, manifested in the simplicity of a birth, in the purity of a child.
The Candle of Love is also an invitation to meditate on the message of Christmas: that of a love that makes no distinctions, that accepts everyone without judgement and that forgives. In everyday life, this love translates into acceptance of self and others, kindness and compassion. The love of Christmas is a love that moves us to open our arms and welcome those around us.
An Invitation to Love and Be Loved
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is also an opportunity to reflect on how we live this love in our daily lives. This love is not limited to the spiritual aspect; it invites us to concrete actions towards those around us. The love of Advent is an active love, manifested in simple gestures of generosity, support and care. This Sunday, believers are encouraged to take loving actions, whether by visiting loved ones, forgiving past mistakes, or providing help to those in need.
This love, as symbolised by this final candle, also invites us to open our hearts. Christmas is approaching, and with it the chance to reconnect with the people who matter to us, to renew family ties and friendships, and to build bridges where there have been divisions. It's a time to make loving choices, to move beyond our judgements and welcome others as they are.
The Candle of Love: A Message of Unity
This fourth Advent candle is a symbol of unity and reconciliation. By lighting this light, we are reminded that love is the source of all the other Advent virtues. Without love, there can be no lasting hope, peace or joy. This Fourth Sunday invites everyone to reconnect with this essential truth, and to make love the basis of every relationship and every act.
Love is not just a feeling, it is a commitment to care for others, to give selflessly and to share sincerely. In this sense, the Candle of Love is a reminder that Christmas is also a call to commitment. It is a love that transcends the boundaries of beliefs and differences, and unites hearts in a quest for kindness and mutual respect.
A Time of Gratitude and Sharing
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is also a time of gratitude. This Sunday is an opportunity to acknowledge the blessings in our lives and express our gratitude for those around us. It's a time to remember that love is a blessing, and that every relationship, every smile, every attention is a part of that love. On this Sunday, families and friends often gather together to prepare for Christmas, to share moments of intimacy and listening. It's a precious time to remember that love is both a gift we receive and a treasure we give.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent, with its Candle of Love, leads us towards Christmas with an open heart, ready to welcome the celebration in all its meaning. It's an invitation to love more deeply, forgive more easily and give more generously. As we light this last candle, believers are called to remember that Christmas is a message of love, and that this love must shine out in all of us. This Sunday prepares us to welcome Jesus, the embodiment of divine love, and to make that love the centre of our lives.
