“Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us…” — Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the candles on the wreath are nearly all aglow. Three weeks of waiting have passed, and now the Church prays with urgency: Come among us, Lord! This Sunday’s collect captures the heart of Advent’s final stretch — a plea for divine strength and presence as we prepare to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation.
The Theme of Advent 4
Unlike the earlier weeks, which focused on watchfulness and repentance, Advent 4 turns our gaze toward Bethlehem and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The lectionary often gives us the Annunciation or prophecies of Emmanuel — reminders that God’s promise is about to be fulfilled. In Anglican Catholic tradition, this Sunday is rich with expectation: the purple (or Sarum blue) vestments remain, but the tone is tender and hopeful. The rose candle from Gaudete still glows, signaling joy breaking through the solemnity.
Why “Stir Up”?
The famous “Stir Up” prayer is not just quaint language; it is a spiritual summons. We ask God to stir up His power because we know our own strength falters. Advent has been a season of preparation — casting away the works of darkness, embracing the armor of light — and now we cry for grace to complete the journey. This collect, rooted in the Gelasian Sacramentary, has been prayed by Anglicans for centuries, echoing through the Book of Common Prayer and Anglican Missals.
Living Advent 4
Light the Fourth Candle: As the last purple (or blue) candle is lit, reflect on its meaning — the nearness of Christ, the fullness of hope.
Pray the Collect Daily: Let “Stir up thy power, O Lord…” shape your week. It’s a prayer for strength, for God’s presence in our weakness.
Honor Mary’s Yes: Many Anglo-Catholic parishes read the Annunciation today. Consider how Mary’s fiat — “Be it unto me according to thy word” — models the surrender we are called to make.
Prepare in Charity: Advent is not only about inward readiness but outward love. Support your parish’s outreach or offer kindness to someone in need. As John the Baptist taught, preparing for Christ means sharing with others.
Music and Worship
Expect hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” alongside Marian carols such as “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” The Gloria remains absent, preserving Advent’s reflective tone, but the joy of Christmas is palpably near.
A Final Word
Advent began with the end in mind — Christ’s Second Coming — and now it closes with the promise of His first coming in humility. In these last days before Christmas, let us hold fast to hope, deepen our prayer, and ready our hearts. Soon, the Christ Candle will blaze, and we will rejoice: Emmanuel, God with us!