‘O Adonai, and leader of the house of Israel, who appearedst in the Bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gavest him the law of Sinai: Come and deliver us with an outstretched arm’.

Today the four Advent candles are lit; but we cannot forget the flame of the Burning Bush, given such prominence in the Antiphon set for this day. Moses takes off the sandals on his feet in adoration and awe. Perhaps ‘fire’ is the theme that links this Fourth Sunday with the Bush – the candle flame, and the Bush that is not burnt up.

Moses turns aside to see the ‘great sight’. In the midst of our challenges, and the preparations for the feast of Christmas, may we take time to ‘turn aside’, to ‘be still and know’ that He is God. May He bless you abundantly in this.