Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2025

Do not be afraid, God has a plan for each of us.

Matthew 1:18-24

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means “God is with us”. When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home

REFLECTIONS ON THE GOSPEL

First Impressions - 4th Sunday of Advent by Jude Sicilano, O.P.
Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1: 18-24

“The virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel.” This well-known verse from Isaiah captures the heart of our Advent hope. It was first spoken in a time of political fear and instability – circumstances not unlike our own. King Ahaz faced powerful enemies and the threat of invasion. The prophet Isaiah urged him to trust in God’s protection rather than in military alliances. But Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, unwilling to rely on God. Still, God gave one: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” The child was to be a sign of God’s enduring faithfulness – a reminder that God is with us even in distress. Over time, this promise took on a deeper meaning. As Matthew’s Gospel tells us today, its ultimate fulfillment came in Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary: God-with-us in the flesh. As we draw close to Christmas, Isaiah’s prophecy calls us to the same trust. Like Ahaz, we may be tempted to rely on our own strength or worldly solutions. Yet God invites us to lean instead on divine presence, even when we cannot fully understand. In Jesus, our Emmanuel, God comes quietly and humbly through Mary’s faith and the Spirit’s power. Advent is a season of turning – a time to receive “Emmanuel, God-with-us,” here and now. We may not see this presence in grand displays, but in quiet assurances: in prayer, in community, and especially in the Eucharist. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, we also welcome him into the ordinary moments of our lives. Isaiah’s challenge to Ahaz was to trust that God would not abandon the people. Centuries later, Joseph faced his own moment of fear and uncertainty when he learned that Mary was with child. Like Ahaz, he could have chosen self-protection. But unlike Ahaz, Joseph trusted. He listened to the angel’s message that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save his people from their sins. Through Joseph’s obedience, the Word became flesh – Emmanuel truly entered our world. The readings from Isaiah and Matthew reveal the contrast between hesitation and trust. Ahaz refuses the sign; Joseph receives it. Advent invites us to open our hearts in faith, trusting that God is with us – not only in the warmth and lights of Christmas, but also in times of uncertainty and hardship. In this final week of Advent, let us make room – in our hearts, homes, and plans – for Emmanuel’s quiet coming. The same God who entered the world through Mary’s “yes” and Joseph’s obedience still desires to be born anew in us. When we say “yes” to God’s will, we too become signs of divine presence, living witnesses that God is truly with us. Isaiah’s message to Ahaz came in an age of fear and division. Our world too is filled with anxiety – wars that displace millions, violence in our cities, political and social strife, families under strain, and a planet in distress. Like Ahaz, we are tempted to seek security in power, wealth, or control. Yet God offers us another sign – not one of strength, but of vulnerability: a child, born of a woman whose very name means “God is with us.” Emmanuel is born anew whenever we choose compassion over cynicism, forgiveness over resentment, peace over division. He is with us when we sit beside the sick, welcome the displaced, stand up for justice, and offer kindness in a world that often forgets it.

Justice Bulletin Board by Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 1:7

Has the noise of the consumer bandwagon, endless Christmas music, and merrymaking overwhelmed these last few days of Advent? There were times when my children were small that I thought I could never get a moment’s silence in the midst of so much Christmas activity and, I have to say, I found wonder in those precious days. Yet, I realized that if I was to prepare my own heart for the presence of the Lord, silence, solitude and self-gift were necessary ingredients to a richer understanding of the coming of the Lord. Our late Pope Francis once said, “The most beautiful gift we can receive is our encounter with Jesus… We meet Jesus in the sacraments, but we also meet Him when we do good deeds, when we visit the sick, when we help the poor, when we think of others, when we are not selfish…” (Vatican Radio via Missio app 12/1/13) The Church’s tradition of encouraging everyone to create time for waiting, watching, wondering, and welcome in these four weeks of Advent make this period one of the most spiritual. As you light your fourth Advent candle, invite others into the stillness. Breathe in the peace and calm. Let go of all distractions. Picture a world where even the impoverished person has their needs and hopes met and they can be who they were created to be. Imagine yourself as God’s instrument to help someone less fortunate in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Then, say this prayer:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sustaining me on my Advent journey as I go forth to welcome the One who is to come within me.
When the discouraged cry for hope, it makes me hope.  
When the hungry cry for bread, it makes me bread.  
When the thirsty cry for water, make me water. 
When the suffering cry for help, it makes me help. 
When the sick cry for healing, it makes me healing. 
When the bound cry for freedom, it makes me freedom. 
When the outcasts cry for love, they make me love.
This Advent transform me anew, 
and so keep me close to you, 
as you transform the world. Amen.
(adapted from Our Current Prayer | CRS)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Have a blessed Christmas and may you receive the most beautiful gift of encountering Jesus.

Faith Book
Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From today’s Isaiah reading: “Therefore, the Lord will give you this sign; the virgin shall conceive and bear a son.”

Reflection: As we draw close to Christmas, Isaiah’s prophecy calls us trust. Like Ahaz, we may be tempted to rely on our own strength. or worldly solutions. Yet God invites us to lean instead on divine presence, even when we cannot fully understand. In Jesus, our Emmanuel, God comes quietly and humbly through Mary’s faith and the Spirit’s power.

So, we ask ourselves:
1. What fears, or uncertainties, make it difficult for me to trust God’s promise?
2. How do I recognize the signs of “Emanuel’ – God-with-us,” in my daily life?
3. How can I, like Mary, offer my own “yes” to God’s will as Christmas approaches?

PREPARATION FOR THE SESSION

Adapted from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2025

Presence of God: Jesus, As I come to you today, fill my heart, my whole being, with the wonder of your sacred presence. Help me to become more aware of your presence in my life, and more receptive to that presence. I desire to love you as you love me. May nothing ever separate me from you. ( 1-2 minutes of silence)

Freedom: Jesus, Grant me the grace to have freedom of spirit. Keep me from being bound by desires and actions that are not good for me or others. Cleanse my heart and soul that I may live joyously in your love. (1-2 minutes of silence)

Consciousness: Where am I with God? With others in my life? What am I grateful for? Is there something I am sorry for, words or actions that have hurt others, and which I now regret? I take a moment to ask forgiveness of God and of those whom I have hurt. God, I give you thanks for your constant love and care for me. Keep me always aware of your presence in my life. (2-3 minutes of silence)

OPENING PRAYER

God of surprises, keep us open to your plans for us, keep us remembering that you hold us close to your heart. Teach us resilience and patience as we live out the lives you have planned for us.

COMPANIONS FOR THE JOURNEY

By Fr. Paul Gallagher, from “First Impressions” 2004

The understanding of marriage in Mathew’s community is much different than that of most people of western cultures. In the Mediterranean culture of Jesus’ day, marriages were arranged in an effort to strengthen the bonds between families. Both sets of parents hoped that the marriage would enhance the political and economic situation of the family. They understood marriage as a bringing together of families, not individuals. Also, betrothal was not like engagement. It was the first step in the families’ accepting the marriage contract. The contract was completed when the man took the woman into his house. Even though a couple was betrothed they had very little contact with each other. To terminate the relationship required a formal decree of divorce. This gospel text relates the events of Mary’s pregnancy from Joseph’s view. He is portrayed as a man of great compassion who desires to do the right thing. In the first verse Matthew tells his audience that Mary is pregnant through the work of the Holy Spirit, a fact that Joseph learns through a dream. Because Mary is pregnant, and Joseph is not the father, Joseph and his family are publicly embarrassed. Mary is presumed to have committed adultery and should be stoned to death. Even if Joseph would want to avoid public embarrassment for his and Mary’s family, and proceed with the proposed marriage, he cannot. A child is considered the property of the father. He cannot, in good conscience, receive/take the property of another and make it his own. The law required Joseph to return Mary to her father and expose her to death. By divorcing her quietly, he creates the possibility of the father of the child to come forward, accept the child, and marry Mary. It may help to remember that Joseph would have very little personal relationship with Mary at this point and is likely making his decisions void of the opportunity of significant communication with Mary. His decisions are extraordinary expressions of both compassion for Mary and trust in God.

LIVING THE GOOD NEWS

What action can you take in the next week as a response to today’s reading and discussion? Keep a private journal of your prayer/actions responses this week. Feel free to use the personal reflection questions which follow:

Reflection Questions:

The following are also from Father Paul Gallagher, following his commentary on the readings for 4 Advent A, 2004.

Can you recall times in your life when you have been seriously disappointed in another person?
Can you remember how you were feeling toward that other person?
How did the situation affect your relationship with that person?

Have you known people who seem to be aware of God “calling” or “giving direction” to their life?
Do you have a sense of how God seemed to be speaking to that person?
How would you describe the quality of their life?

Joseph seems to have been asked to act in a way that was outside of what was expected of him as a faithful follower of his tradition. What kind of person would Joseph have been to be open to the course of action that God was asking of him?

Do you think that this story reveals a “one-time experience” of how God chose to come into our world or a “pattern” of how God chooses to break into our world?

Have you ever thought God was calling you to respond to a situation in ways that stretched you beyond what you thought were reasonable?
How did you become conscious of God’s call to you?

Do you think that your response to God’s call in your life is as important to God as Joseph’s?

What leap of faith are youfaced with thwt actually causes you some fear? (new job, new school, new relationship, new career, actually staying in any other the above situations)

Is it wrong the feel afraid?

What events/situations in our contemporary culture or my personal situation are a cause of legitimate fear?

Was Jesus ever afraid, do you think?
What does Jesus’ life/death tell us about courage in the face of fear?

Am I afraid of God? Why or why not?

What does Jesus’ birth tell us about God’s concern for humanity?

The name Emmanu-el is Hebrew for “God-with-us.” How did Jesus demonstrate this truth of his “name”?

Harking back to this bible passage, which is told from Joseph’s point of view, what do you think about Joseph’s fears concerning this whole enterprise?
Were they legitimate?
Did Joseph know something we wouldn’t in the same circumstances, and if not, what does that tell you about his quiet courage?

CLOSING PRAYER

Don’t forget to provide some prayer time at the beginning and at the end of the session (or both), allowing time to offer prayers for anyone you wish to pray for.

Dear Lord, during this Christmas season, especially, be with those who are lonely, sad, ill, or who are dealing with circumstances beyond their control. Give them the comfort inspired by a little baby, born so long ago, who brought the love of God into this world and hope for all who face uncertainty.

FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

Weekly Memorization: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.

Meditations:

A Meditation in the Ignatian Style/Imagination: The references to Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, in the Gospels, is to say the least, underwhelming. In the gospel of Matthew, he shows up in chapter one, and is gone in chapter 2, never to appear by name in this gospel again. However, the bulk of today’s story focuses on Joseph, and the story of Jesus’ conception from his point of view. Using our imagination, let us put ourselves in Joseph’s shoes as this dramatic story is playing out: What is your profession; is it a lucrative one? Do you already have a home? How old are you? How religiously observant are you? Are you quiet or somewhat dynamic as a person? Are you a local person and did you know Mary and her family before this betrothal? What did you think of her? Is she mature for her age? Beautiful? Quiet or lively? Assertive or meek? What made you decide to marry her—or was it a family decision? Where and how will you live as a family? Do you want children? How did you find out that Mary was already pregnant and you knew the baby was definitely not yours? Did she tell you? Did her father? Her mother? Town gossip? Were you angry? Sad? Confused? All of the above? Did you decide not to stay betrothed to her? Why? What did you think would be the best solution for all concerned? Why, in fact, were you concerned about her in the first place? What would her fate be if you repudiated her and her baby? Then imagine the dream… How real did you think the angel was, or was it merely an overactive and anxious brain? Construct the dialogue between yourself and this “dream messenger.” In any event, what convinced you that God’s will was for you to take Mary into your home and treat her as your wife permanently? Did you think there will be repercussions? (This is a very traditional and strict society, and people can count, can’t they?) Now imagine the very awkward conversation with Mary as you let her know what you decided to do. (Obviously, Mary did not get a vote in the final decision.) Were you afraid of the consequences of this decision? How does your trust in God’s plan keep you strong, or does it? What we learn is that “God is with us,” is no guarantee of easy sailing, even for the saints. Their faith/trust wavered at times, just like ours does. Think of a situation in which you have been called upon to risk your reputation, your security or your happiness because God might be calling you to take a leap of faith. Pray for courage in the face of fear, wisdom in the face of anxiety, and trust in the face of uncertainty…

POETIC REFLECTIONS

Advent 
(On A Theme by Dietrich Bonhoeffer) by Pamela Cranston

Look how long
the weary world waited,

locked in its lonely cell,
guilty as a prisoner.
As you can imagine,
it sang and whistled in the dark.

It hoped. It paced and puttered about,
tidying its little piles of inconsequence.
It wept from the weight of ennui,

draped like shackles on its wrists.
It raged and wailed against the walls
of its own plight.
But there was nothing

the world could do
to find its own freedom.

The door was shut tight.
It could only be opened
from the outside.
Who could believe the latch
would be turned by a pink flower 
—
the tiny hand
of a newborn baby?

On the Mystery of the Incarnation by Denise Levertov

It’s when we face for a moment
the worst our kind can do,
and shudder to know
the taint in our own selves, that awe
cracks the mind’s shell and enters the heart:

not to a flower, not to a dolphin,
to no innocent form
but to this creature vainly sure
it and no other is god-like, God
(out of compassion for our ugly
failure to evolve) entrusts,
as guest, as brother,
the Word.

Adult Advent Announcement by David A. Redding

O Lord,
Let Advent begin again
In us,
Not merely in commercials;
For that first Christmas was not
Simply for children,
But for the
Wise and the strong.
It was
Crowded around that cradle,
With kings kneeling.
Speak to us
Who seek an adult seat this year.
Help us to realize,
As we fill stockings,
Christmas is mainly
For the old folks —
Bent backs
And tired eyes
Need relief and light
A little more.
No wonder
It was grown-ups
Who were the first
To notice
Such a star.