As Christendom marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on the faithful to rejoice in the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

His Eminence urged the faithful to live out the teachings of the Gospel and to rejoice as the Nativity of Christ nears.

"As we lit the pink candle in the Advent wreath, it intensifies the gladness that we feel in our hearts as the birth of Christ nears,” said Cardinal Advincula over Radio Veritas.

"We wait for the coming of our Savior as He brings with Him love, hope and salvation for all mankind as He had promised,” he added.

The Church leader, likewise, called on the faithful to follow the example of St. John the Baptist who “stood for what was good and right as the way to Jesus.”

"Every time that we choose what is good and right, we choose Jesus. And every time that we feel hesitant to do what is right and just, Jesus is not safe in our hearts. Let us always choose Jesus,” stressed Cardinal Advincula.

Meanwhile, in Catholic churches today, readings, prayers, and reflections will focus on the narratives and events that surround the final theme of the Advent season: The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.

Priests in violet vestments will lead church rites that include the lighting of the third purple candle - the symbol of love - in the Advent wreath to emphasize the nearness of the joyous celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. The two purple candles, which symbolize penance and hope respectively, as well as the pink candle, which symbolizes joy, will be re-lighted, leaving only the white center candle, which symbolizes Christ. The white candle will be lit during the Misa de Gallo, the Christmas Eve mass on Dec. 24, to herald the onset of Christmas.