December 21, 2025: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear and son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Reflection

My faith was strongly challenged in the aftermath of my mother’s death. My reliance on what I thought I could depend on lay in tatters. Did the people I always assumed loved me ever really love me? I still can’t answer that question, but I can say that my faith was radically reinforced due to that unexpected, bewildering time. Joseph goes through something like that here: his betrothed is pregnant! What can he do? Luckily, an angel reassures him in a dream. Our reassurances might not be so easy or immediate, but knowing that God is in control, that you are never alone no matter how hard things get, can be every bit as effective. Awake from your dark place. Keep moving and loving and seeking. Things will get better.

Action

“They shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.”’ What does it mean for God to be with us? When do you feel God with you most strongly? Find time to be with God today, whether that’s by mediating or sitting in nature or reciting your favorite prayer.