God Is With Us.
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
We have arrived at the Fourth Sunday of Advent, just days before Christmas.
The waiting is almost over. The lights are up, the plans are made, the gifts are prepared.
But today, the Church turns our attention not to the crib yet, but to the heart that made Christmas possible.
Today’s Gospel focuses on Saint Joseph — a quiet, faithful man who teaches us how to welcome God into our lives.
1. Joseph’s Silent Struggle
The Gospel (Matthew 1:18–24) tells us that Mary is found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, a righteous man, faces confusion, pain, and fear.
He could have:
- exposed Mary publicly
- rejected her
- acted out of anger
Instead, Scripture says:
“Joseph was a righteous man.”
Righteousness is not just about following rules;
it is about acting with mercy, trust, and love, even when life does not make sense.
2. God Speaks in the Darkness
Just when Joseph decides to quietly divorce Mary, God speaks — not with thunder, but in a dream:
“Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”
This is important:
God often speaks after we have wrestled in silence.
He meets us in our uncertainty, not after everything is clear.
Joseph listens.
And he obeys.
3. Obedience Opens the Door for Emmanuel
Joseph’s obedience allows God’s plan to move forward.
Because Joseph said yes:
- Mary had protection
- Jesus had a home
- Salvation entered the world
The angel reveals the child’s name:
“They shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means “God is with us.”
This is the heart of Christmas:
God is not distant.
God is not angry.
God is not far away.
God is with us.
4. Lessons from Saint Joseph
Joseph teaches us four powerful Advent lessons:
a. Trust God when life is confusing
Joseph did not understand everything — but he trusted God anyway.
b. Choose mercy over judgment
He protected Mary’s dignity instead of defending his pride.
c. Listen in silence
Joseph never speaks a word in Scripture — yet he listens deeply.
d. Act on God’s word
Faith is not just hearing God; it is doing what God asks.
5. Preparing for Emmanuel
As Christmas approaches, Advent asks us:
- Is there room for Jesus in my heart?
- Am I open to God’s plan, even when it disrupts my own?
- Do I trust God enough to obey Him?
Like Joseph, we are invited to say:
“Let it be done according to your word.”
Conclusion: Welcome Emmanuel
Dear friends,
Christmas is not just about remembering that Jesus was born long ago.
It is about welcoming Emmanuel today — God with us:
- in our families
- in our struggles
- in our fears
- in our decisions
May Saint Joseph teach us to trust, obey, and welcome God into our lives,
so that when Christmas comes, Jesus will find not just decorations —
but open hearts.
Emmanuel — God is with us.
Amen.