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Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 20, 2026 · Luke 1:26-38

Mary says yes

It is the last Sunday of Advent. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus, and she says yes. Luke 1:26-38

Liturgical color: violet

This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph. Luke 1:26-27

The angel called her full of grace and told her that the Lord was with her. Luke 1:28

Mary was troubled when she heard these words, and she wondered what this greeting meant. Luke 1:29

The angel told her not to be afraid: she would have a son, and she would name him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31

He told her that her son would be great and would be called Son of the Most High, and that his kingdom would have no end. Luke 1:32-33

Mary asked him how this could be, since she had no relations with a man. Luke 1:34

The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her. That is why the child would be called Son of God. Luke 1:35

He told her that her relative Elizabeth, in her old age, was expecting a son. For nothing is impossible for God. Luke 1:36-37

Mary answered that she was the handmaid of the Lord, and that it should be done to her according to his word. Luke 1:38

Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

What the Bible says

Luke 1:26-38

26And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, 27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. 31Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. 33And of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? 35And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: 37Because no word shall be impossible with God. 38And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The other readings at Mass

First Reading

David wants to build a house for God. Through Nathan, God promises him that his kingdom will last forever. 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Responsorial Psalm

We will sing forever of the Lord’s love, for he made a covenant with David that lasts forever. Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29

Second Reading

Paul praises God, who now reveals to all nations the mystery kept hidden for long ages. Romans 16:25-27

The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org

What the Church teaches

Mary’s yes

Mary answered with the obedience of faith. That is how she became the Mother of Jesus.

Catechism 494

The Advent wreath

In many homes, one more candle is lit each Sunday. This Sunday all four are lit.

Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 98

The color violet

We are still in Advent: the priest wears violet.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346

To read with your children

God sent the angel Gabriel to visit Mary. Luke 1:26-27

The angel told her that God was with her. Luke 1:28

He told her that she would have a son named Jesus. Luke 1:31

Mary said yes to what God was asking of her. Luke 1:38

How can you say yes to God this week?

To talk about as a family

  1. Mary asked a question and then said yes. When is it hard for us to trust God?
  2. Nothing is impossible for God. What hard thing do we want to pray for together?
  3. For the child: what would you like to ask an angel?

This week

This week, pray the Angelus or a Hail Mary together every day. In it you repeat the angel’s words to Mary.

To pray

Virgin Mary, you said yes to God. Teach us to trust as you did, and to get our home ready to welcome Jesus at Christmas. Amen.

Who is in it?