4th Sunday of Advent

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a
lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the
letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the
church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the
Lord’s death.”