Friends, the fourth Sunday of Advent Year A remains us a season of waiting and hope. God’s choice of the Messiah was from the house of David. However, Mary’s child belongs to all nations. This is through God’s love, and his invitation to share in the Christ’s heritage. The readings of today, show that God keeps His promises, calls everyone to salvation, and invites people to trust Him. Ahaz hesitates, but Joseph believes. These stories remind us to rely on God instead of fear. Lord, help us to trust You as Joseph did. Give us faith to follow Your plan, even when we do not understand. Teach us to rely on Your promises instead of our fears.
Friends, in the first reading of this last Sunday of advent, God gave us the greatest and most definitive signs about the Messiah; “A maiden is with child, and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” The first reading of today, reminds us that God always keeps His promises. Isaiah tells Ahaz that God will give a sign. This sign is a child called Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Even when people doubt, God remains faithful. Brothers and sisters, we must allow God to be God without trying to preempt him. We must learn to trust in God’s judgment, and his good will for us. We need not run after signs anymore because, God has given us the fullness of revelation in Jesus Christ. While in the second reading, Paul tells us that Jesus came for all people. No one is left out. God’s plan is bigger than any nation or group. No matter where someone comes from or what their past looks like, He welcomes them. Paul calls us to belong to Jesus and follow Him. This is an invitation for all of us. Advent is a time to remember that Jesus’ coming is a gift. It is not something earned. As we prepare for Christmas, we can open our hearts to that gift and share it with others.
Friends, the Gospel shows how this promise is fulfilled in Jesus. He is the child who comes to bring hope to the world. God does not forget His people. He is with them, just as He said He would be. Brothers and sisters, the fourth Sunday of Advent, shows two very different responses to God. Ahaz, the ruler of Judah, is surrounded by enemies. He is afraid and does not trust God to protect his kingdom. Even when Isaiah tells him to ask for a sign, he refuses. He relies on his own strength instead. Joseph, on the other hand, listens to God. He might not understand everything, but when the angel speaks to him, he obeys. He chooses faith over fear. Because of his trust, he becomes part of God’s great plan. These readings remind us that fear can hold us back from trusting God.
Friends, Mary and Joseph were God’s instruments for fulfilling His mission of salvation for us. This teaches us that God is active in our history and lives, and that He comes to us through human instruments. As we expect the coming of the Messiah, each one of us must make himself available as a worthy instrument. We must be ready to cooperate with God as Mary and Joseph did, in order that the promises of God might be fulfilled through us. Brothers and sisters, we have to allow ourselves to be instruments through which God could save humanity. Whatever, capacity God calls us to participate in the economy of salvation, let us cooperate with him as Mary and Joseph did today. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed last Sunday of advent season. I wish you a Joyful Christmas and a blessed 2026.
