The Final Flame – The Fourth Week of Advent

With the lighting of the final purple candle, the Advent wreath is now complete. We have reached the fourth week, the culmination of our spiritual journey toward Christmas. This week is traditionally associated with peace and love, and once again, the Virgin Mary stands at the centre of our reflection—not just as a woman waiting, but as a model of immense courage.

While the Christmas cards and carols often make the Nativity story look serene and cosy, the reality of Mary’s situation was daunting. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, she faced a life-changing responsibility that carried significant risk. Her response, often called her Fiat ("let it be done"), was not a passive shrug; it was a brave and active decision to trust in God despite the uncertainty and potential for social misunderstanding.

For us, this final week is a challenge to emulate that bravery. Just as Mary said "yes" to a difficult path, we are often faced with our own challenging choices—whether it is forgiving someone who has hurt us, supporting a neighbour in need, or maintaining our faith when life feels overwhelming. As we make our final preparations for Christmas Day, Mary reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer is a willing heart and the courage to welcome love into the real world.