Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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 a 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.

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Be Not Afraid - The Timeless Gift of Incarnation

~Deacon Joseph Boyle

Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church + Media, Pa.

In the Fourth Sunday of Advent's Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25), we find an infancy narrative designed to resonate with a predominantly Jewish audience and speaks to us today. This narrative aims to affirm the fulfillment of ancient prophecies while revealing the essential truth of Jesus Christ's divine origins and mission. When Matthew states, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about," he makes a significant declaration, grounding this miraculous event in both historical and theological reality. The narrative is practical and points to timeless themes of faith, obedience, and divine purpose. Joseph’s experience of receiving guidance through dreams directly parallels that of his Old Testament namesake, illustrating God's method of communication.

In Joseph's dream, the angel’s message, "Do not be afraid," echoes the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel, emphasizing a recurring divine reassurance for those chosen to fulfill God's plans. The naming of the child Jesus, meaning "God saves," encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission. “Be not afraid” is the timeless gift of the incarnation. Throughout human history, man has continuously sought God and meaning. Matthew effectively appeals to his Jewish audience by quoting Isaiah's prophecy: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." This reinforces the belief that Jesus embodies God's presence in humanity. The underlying message of this passage is profound: Jesus not only saves but also remains with us in the most direct and intimate manner.

The narrative concludes with Joseph’s faithful response as he follows the angel’s command and takes Mary into his home. This act mirrors Mary's affirmative "yes," exemplifying the obedience and faith required to fulfill God’s divine plan. Matthew's infancy narrative reassures believers that in Jesus, we find salvation and the abiding presence of God with us.

Lessons from Saint Joseph's Quiet Touch

~Jennifer Dusza

Saint Mary Catholic Church + Schwenksville, Pa.

This Gospel is an interesting one because there is no “bad guy” here- no villain in the story; nobody disobeyed or strayed from God’s law. Mary is pure and full of grace, and Joseph is righteous and seeking to uphold the Jewish law. And yet they are in a real dilemma.

I’ve felt that way too- those moments when I’m trying to understand God’s Will, not because I’m choosing between right and wrong, but I have a choice to make between two or more reasonable choices. Do I stay at my job or look for a new one? Where should I send my kids to school? Do I buy a new car or ride this one out a little longer? Should I volunteer at the local shelter or be home with my spouse and children?


Between my work and home life, I am weighed down with hundreds of small choices each day. But I don’t have to face these questions alone. I am equipped with the Scriptures, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet” as it tells us in Psalms 119:105. Joseph grew up hearing and memorizing Scripture, especially those verses that prophesied about the coming Messiah, the One who would save the people from slavery and suffering. So, when the angel appeared to him and reminded him of the prophesy that “a virgin shall conceive and bear a son” he wasn’t teaching Joseph; he was reminding him. I need those reminders too. I need Scripture to shine a light on the dark areas of my life. And as Joseph learned, when we trust God’s voice above our own understanding, grace enters the world in ways far greater than we imagined.