Advent Week 4: Taking a Moment to Love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

What does love look like for you?

This fourth final week of Advent, we celebrate love. The fourth week of Advent marks the culmination of a season of anticipation, preparation, and reflection. As the final candle on the Advent wreath is lit—the Candle of Love—our hearts are invited to rest in the profound mystery of God’s unconditional love and the promise of Emmanuel: God with us.

Advent, with its four weeks, is a journey. The first week teaches us about hope, the second week draws us to peace, and the third week encourages joy. But in this final week, we are called to the greatest of virtues: love. It’s a love that transforms, a love that reaches beyond human understanding, and a love that lies at the heart of the Christmas story.

We can see love reflected throughout the stories of Advent. As we approach Christmas Day, the theme of love resonates in every Scripture reading, hymn, and moment of stillness. Mary’s unwavering "yes" to the angel Gabriel was an act of love—love for God and trust in His plan. Joseph’s decision to stand by Mary and raise the Christ child was rooted in love, courage, and faith. And at the heart of it all is God’s love, so great that He sent His only Son into the world to walk among us, share in our joys and sorrows, and ultimately redeem us. 

Perhaps love in this season looks like patience as we navigate crowded stores and busy schedules. Maybe it’s choosing kindness when tensions rise or finding moments of quiet to connect with God amid the noise. Love might also mean reaching out to the international students who can't go back home for Christmas, sharing our gifts of food and treats to those stuck in the hospital or nursing home, or mending a broken relationship with our aunts, uncles, and cousins after years of conflict and strife. In every act of love, no matter how small, we participate in the spirit of Christmas and reflect the light of Christ to the world.

This final week also deepens our sense of anticipation. The celebration of Christ’s birth is just days away, and the Church invites us to recall the utter hugeness of what we are about to commemorate: the Incarnation. God stepping into human history to breathe and walk and live among us is a moment of unparalleled, ultimate love and grace. As we wait, we are reminded that this love is not only something to receive but also something to give.

As we light the Candle of Love, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the gift of God’s presence and the call to share His love with others. This week is a reminder that the story of Christmas doesn’t end in the manger—it continues in our lives as we embody Christ’s love in our homes, communities, and the world. We embody Christ when we play hide-and-seek with our little cousins at family Christmas celebrations. We embody Christ when we organize shelter, food, and care for the unhoused in our neighborhoods. We embody Christ when we reach out to people who are celebrating alone, or who don't celebrate Christmas at all.

So, as Advent draws to a close, let us take a moment to reflect. How can we let the love of Christ guide us—not only through the Christmas season but throughout the year? Let this be our prayer as we approach the wonder of Christmas Day: “O come, O come, Emmanuel. Fill our hearts with Your love, and teach us to love as You have loved us.”