Advent 4 (year A)

By the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Scripture readings are filled with anticipation of Christ's birth. The Old Testament selection from Isaiah 7:10-17 is a famous passage that prophesies the future of Israel. There are two aspects of the message: warning of judgment and hope for redemption. The hope in the prophecy is the sign of the child born of a virgin. This child will be called Immanuel, "God with us." Of course, Christians have always understood this prophetic hope as pointing to Jesus Christ.

Psalm 24 is a well-known praise of the Lord God as the king of glory who comes among His people. This psalm takes on special meaning in light of our anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child.

Romans 1:1-7 is the Apostle Paul's introduction of himself and his message to the church at Rome. In these verses, Paul emphasizes the reality of Christ's incarnation as the fulfillment of Scripture and the expression of divine grace.

Matthew 1:18-25 is a brief account of Jesus' birth from Joseph's perspective. It highlights his acceptance of the virgin birth under divine guidance. Joseph realizes the holiness of his betrothed and of her son. He is instructed to call Him Jesus, a name which comes from Hebrew meaning "the Lord will save." This brief account reminds us of two realities. It affirms the importance of Joseph's role in the plan for redemption, and it also points beyond Joseph to the greater importance of Jesus, the Redeemer. May the Gospel reading and all the Scriptures deepen our appreciation of the reasons for the celebration!