This year, the Fourth Week of Advent is Dec. 24, one day only.
As the fourth candle (the third purple candle) on the Advent wreath is lit, the evergreens, poinsettias, holly and ivy are waiting in the wings, just feet away.
A suggested prayer for the lighting of the fourth candle, either the night before or on Christmas Eve this year, comes from Ignatius Press.
Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
And as the candles are snuffed out on the wreath, diocesan churches will work quickly to spread the mantle of Christmas before the evening Christmas vigil Mass.
Catholics will need to attend Mass for both the Sunday, Dec. 24, and for Christmas, Dec. 25.
