Fourth Sunday of Advent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 21 December 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14
Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. (13-14)
The Prophet Isaiah foretells Christ Jesus’ birth to the Jewish people in the reading today. As we have been following this event scripture, we can see how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament, in Jesus’ birth!
We are glad as we prepare to receive baby Jesus this Christmas in our hearts again. We also await in joyful anticipation of his second coming!
Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Alleluia, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24: 1-6
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
How clean are our hands and how pure are our hearts?
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Romans 1: 1-7
You also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (6-7)
St. Paul assures us, that we too are called to belong to Jesus Christ! He also refers to the Old Testament scriptures describing Jesus’ ancestry from David, proving him to be the promised one!
Therefore, by extension, we too are drawn into the flock of the Messiah King! Amen, Alleluia!
Alleluia: Matthew 1: 23
Alleluia. Alleluia!
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-24
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother, Mary, had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with a child from the Holy Spirit. (18)
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife. (24)
We read here today about the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and we are inspired! We ask the Lord to grant us the grace to be more obedient to his voice.
St. Joseph’s obedience to the words of the angel in the dream is remarkable! We ask St. Joseph to intercede for us, that in and through our dreams, we may be guided to live an upright life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen, Alleluia!
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