Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 24 December 2028

10 And the Lord spoke again to Achaz, saying:

11 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above.

12 And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord.

13 And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

R. (7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

3 Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2 Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,

3 Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh,

4 Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead;

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name;

6 Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:

7 To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23 The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

18 Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost.

19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying:

23 Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.

God does not remain distant from the life of his people. When Ahaz refuses to ask for a sign, the Lord gives one anyway: a virgin will bear a son, and his name will be Emmanuel—God with us. This promise reaches its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David, conceived by the Holy Spirit and given to save his people from their sins.

Joseph shows what it means to receive God’s presence with faith. He does not demand complete understanding or protect himself through suspicion. After hearing the angel, he rises and does what God commands. Paul describes this response as “obedience to the faith,” a faith that receives grace and becomes a way of life. The Lord, King of glory, seeks those who desire his face and whose hearts are sincere. Christ still comes into the places entrusted to us, asking for trust and faithful action. We may not see the whole path ahead, but we can take the next step Joseph took: listen, believe that God is with us, and obey the light he gives.

Emmanuel, God with us, draw near to me and make my heart clean before you. Deliver me from fear, self-reliance, and the desire to understand everything before I obey. Give me Joseph’s quiet courage to receive your word and act upon it faithfully. Let your grace shape my choices, so that my life may welcome Christ and make his saving presence known. Jesus, Son of David, forgive my sins and teach me to seek your face with sincerity. May I live in the peace that comes from trusting your presence. Amen.