2025 Cycle A - The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Readings

2025 Cycle A - The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isa 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Rom 1:1-7; Matt 1:23; Matt 1:18-24

Homily Theme

Emmanuel — God Is With Us

As we begin the final week of Advent, the Church draws our attention to the prophet Isaiah. He speaks to King Ahaz and offers him a sign: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel” — a name that means “God is with us.” In Jesus Christ, God truly became flesh, and this prophecy was fulfilled far beyond anything the prophet could have imagined.

Isaiah also foretells that this child would be born in the City of David — Bethlehem — a name that means “House of Bread.” Jesus is laid in a manger, a feeding trough, already pointing us toward the Holy Eucharist, where God remains Emmanuel for us today, present under the appearance of bread.

That first Christmas night, most of the world was completely unaware that such a miraculous event had taken place. The Creator of the universe, the author of all life, entered human history quietly, in the silence of the night, as a helpless infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. The world did not recognize that God was with them.

More than two thousand years later, we still sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” yet many remain indifferent. Some are caught up only in gifts or in celebrating a “winter holiday.” Even the greeting “Merry Christmas” has become uncomfortable in certain places.  Some people and places have gone as far as to remove “Merry Christmas” because of political correctness.  When Europe was still practicing their faith the words “Merry Christmas”, were an invitation and reminder to celebrate a Merry Christ Mass. Today, some will attend Mass without realizing that Christ is there again, this time in the form of bread and wine.

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading today, that we are called to belong to Christ who became flesh for us. He refers to the prophets about the one descendant from David in the flesh but who is truly Emanuel. The greatest Christmas gift we can receive this year will not be found under a tree. We will find Him here at the altar, in the Eucharist, and dwelling in every tabernacle of every Catholic church. God is still with us. He is still Emmanuel for all who seek Him.

In today’s Gospel, we hear of Saint Joseph, whose faith is confirmed through the message of an angel. Once again, the words of the prophet are fulfilled: this child will be called Emmanuel. Each time you hear that name — in the Scriptures, in our hymns, or in the carols of the season — allow the Holy Spirit to make Him present to your heart. Let it be a reminder that God is truly with us.

May those who have drifted away be drawn back as they hear these familiar songs and remember who is present among us. Emmanuel means God is with us — yesterday, today, and forever.