Fourth Sunday of Advent 2025

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 Most of us have had that moment when we were absolutely sure about a decision — a plan, a direction, a judgment — and then something happened that made us stop and say, “I need to rethink this.” Changing your mind isn’t easy. It can feel like failure. But sometimes, changing your mind is actually a sign of wisdom.

That’s exactly where we meet Joseph in today’s Gospel.

Joseph is a righteous man. When he learns that Mary is with child, his first decision makes sense. He plans to step away quietly, to protect her and avoid shame. It’s a reasonable plan. A compassionate plan. But it isn’t yet God’s plan.

Then God intervenes — not with noise or spectacle, but in a dream. And Joseph does something remarkable: he changes his mind. He lets go of his own understanding and makes room for God’s surprising work. He takes Mary into his home. He names the child Jesus. He entrusts his life to a promise he cannot fully explain.

Isaiah tells us today that the Lord himself will give a sign: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” God doesn’t remain distant. God enters human life — our uncertainty, our fear, our unfinished plans. Emmanuel means “God is with us.”

As we stand on the threshold of Christmas, Advent invites us to ask a simple but honest question: where might God be asking me to change my mind? Where might I need to let go of my plans so that Christ can enter more fully? Like Joseph, may we have the courage to wake up, to trust, and to make room for Emmanuel — God with us.


Location: Morrisonville, NY, USA

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