December 21, 2025 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As Advent draws to its quiet, expectant close, the Church invites us to stand beside Joseph. The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent does not place us at the manger yet, nor among the angels singing in the night sky. Instead, it brings us into the inner world of a just man wrestling with confusion, fear, and faith. Matthew tells us that Mary is found to be with child “through the Holy Spirit.” For Joseph, these words come before understanding. He knows only that the woman he loves is pregnant, and the child is not his. His world collapses silently. Scripture does not describe anger or accusation; instead, it reveals something far more striking—mercy. Joseph resolves to divorce Mary quietly, sparing her shame and danger. Even in heartbreak, he chooses compassion.
This is where God enters the story—not with thunder, but in a dream. The angel’s message is simple and terrifying: Do not be afraid. Joseph is asked to trust what he cannot prove, to accept a future he did not plan, and to take responsibility for a child who is not biologically his but will depend on him completely. In that moment, Joseph becomes more than a background figure; he becomes a model disciple. Matthew reminds us that all of this fulfills the ancient promise: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.” God-with-us does not arrive in ideal circumstances. Emmanuel comes amid misunderstanding, vulnerability, and risk. God chooses to enter the world not through power, but through trust—trust placed in two ordinary people who say yes in different ways.
Joseph’s yes is quiet. He speaks no recorded words in Scripture. His obedience is shown in action: he takes Mary into his home, names the child Jesus, and commits his life to protecting and providing for God’s Son. In doing so, Joseph teaches us that faith is often less about understanding everything and more about doing the next right thing. As we prepare for Christmas, this Gospel asks us an uncomfortable question: Where is God asking us to trust beyond our plans? Perhaps it is in a family situation we cannot control, a calling that feels inconvenient, or a fear that keeps us awake at night. Like Joseph, we may wish for clarity before commitment. God offers instead a presence: Emmanuel.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that Christmas is not about perfection. It is about God entering the mess of real human lives. When Joseph wakes from his dream, Matthew tells us simply: “He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” That obedience makes space for salvation to enter the world. As Advent ends, may we learn from Joseph’s courage. May we welcome Christ not only into our decorations and traditions, but into our uncertainty, our decisions, and our daily obedience. Emmanuel is already near. The question is whether we will make room for Him in our souls, in our lives, in our homes.
God bless everyone always!
Fr. Stan
