Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year A
In our reading, King Ahaz was receiving threats from Syria and Israel so the “sign” he was to receive from God would
tell him that God would intervene and save Judah. The sign he received was that a virgin would give birth to a child and she would call him Emmanuel.
In our gospel we hear that Mary and Joseph were engaged. Mary was going to have a baby. Joseph was going to break off the engagement privately but an angel of God told him the baby was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and told him to take Mary as his wife and name the baby Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph said “yes” to God. Jesus needed a special family to look after him.
Jesse Tree Ornaments
White Lily: The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will be the handmaiden of the Lord, mother or our Saviour, Jesus. The white lily symbolizes new life and resurrection, hope for the future. Luke 1:26-38
Motherhood: Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Bible pg 100
Tablet: John’s father, Zechariah, was unable to speak when John was born so he wrote “John is his name” on a tablet. Luke 1:57-80.
Carpenter's Hammer: represents Joseph’s profession and his unique role in Jesus’ life. Matthew 1:19-25
White Candle: represents Jesus, the light of the world. Matthew 2:1-12.
Manger: represents the story of Jesus’ birth in a manger. Luke 2:1‐15
Chi-Rho: Merry Christmas. First two letters of Greek word Christ. John 1-34.