Introit — Rorate caeli: the heavens open
“Roráte, cæli, désuper, et nubes pluant justum: aperiátur terra, et gérminet Salvatórem.” Drop down dew, heavens, from above; let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth open and bring forth the Saviour.
Gradual — Prope est Dominus: he is near
“Prope est Dóminus ómnibus invocántibus eum… in veritáte.” The Lord is near to all who call upon him in truth.
Alleluia — Veni, Domine: come without delay
“Veni, Dómine, et noli tardáre: reláxa facínora plebis tuæ Israël.” Come, Lord, and do not delay; take away the sins of your people Israel.
Offertory — Ave Maria: expectation takes a human face
“Ave, María, grátia plena: Dóminus tecum…” Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you.
Communion — Ecce Virgo: God with us
“Ecce Virgo concípiet et páriet fílium: et vocábitur nomen ejus Emmánuel.” Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.
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Join us in prayer on the Fourth Sunday of Advent
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This reflection follows the readings of the current Roman lectionary for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B. The biblical texts of the chants are distinguished from the readings proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word.
Sources and further reading
USCCB — the meaning of Advent · USCCB — precedence of an Advent Sunday · e-codices — Einsiedeln 121, date and description · IRHT — Laon 239
Chant sources: Rorate caeli · Prope est Dominus in research on Einsiedeln 121 · Veni, Domine · Ave Maria · Ecce Virgo. Scriptural references and quoted liturgical texts: Isaiah 45:8; Psalm 18 (19):2; Psalm 144 (145):18, 21; Luke 1:28, 42; Isaiah 7:14; 2 Samuel 7:1–5, 8b–12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89 (88); Romans 16:25–27; Luke 1:26–38.
Vatican News — readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 20 December 2026.