Fourth Sunday of Advent

What Is Fourth Sunday of Advent?

The Fourth Sunday of Advent is the concluding Sunday in the Christian liturgical season of Advent, which precedes Christmas. It serves as the final period of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. This observance typically features specific scripture readings, hymns, and the lighting of the final candle on the Advent wreath.

This day signifies the imminent arrival of Christmas, bringing to a close the four-week period of reflection. The themes associated with the Fourth Sunday often focus on peace, love, and the prophecy surrounding the birth of the Messiah. It is widely observed by Christian denominations across the globe.

History and Origins of Fourth Sunday of Advent

The tradition of Advent itself dates back to the early Christian era, though its formalisation as a four-week period of preparation for Christmas developed later. Initially, Advent was a time of fasting and prayer, similar to Lent, but for the celebration of Christ’s second coming rather than his first. Over centuries, its focus shifted to the first coming of Christ, His Nativity.

The four-Sunday structure of Advent, culminating in the Fourth Sunday, became established in the Western Church around the 6th century. Each Sunday within Advent began to acquire specific themes, often symbolised by the candles on the Advent wreath. The Fourth Sunday traditionally brings the Advent season to a climax, emphasising the final prophecies and the immediate readiness for Christmas. The Advent wreath, with its four candles, is a relatively newer tradition, originating in German Lutheranism in the 19th century and later adopted more widely.

How Fourth Sunday of Advent Is Celebrated

The Fourth Sunday of Advent is primarily observed through church services across various Christian denominations. Congregations typically gather for worship, which includes special scripture readings, sermons, and hymns pertinent to the Advent season. A central act of observance is the lighting of the fourth and final candle on the Advent wreath.

In many traditions, this fourth candle is purple, representing love, or sometimes a different colour like pink, if the third candle was purple. The readings and homilies often concentrate on themes of love, peace, and hope, frequently highlighting the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the events leading directly to the Nativity. For many families, this day also marks the final preparations for Christmas celebrations, including decorating, baking, and gift-wrapping.

When Is Fourth Sunday of Advent?

The Fourth Sunday of Advent does not fall on a fixed date but is always the Sunday immediately preceding 25th December. Its date therefore varies each year within the Gregorian calendar. Depending on the year, it can occur as early as 18th December or as late as 24th December.

If 25th December falls on a Monday, then the Fourth Sunday of Advent will coincide with Christmas Eve, 24th December. This annual variation means that the Advent period can be either 22 or 28 days long, though it always contains four Sundays. This dating system ensures a full four-Sunday observance irrespective of the day of the week Christmas Day falls on.

Fourth Sunday of Advent Key Facts