Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

“Holy Family” by Patrick Pollen, 1928–2010), St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe, Ireland. Photo by A.F. Borchert, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

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