FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 18, 2022
AS WE GATHER
Joseph always seems to be in the background! In many manger settings, he seems to peer over Mary’s shoulder from a distance at the wondrous Child of Bethlehem. After bringing Mary and the Child back to Galilee from Egypt, Joseph is not mentioned again. Obviously, a man of faith, Joseph’s journey to faith was not easy. After all, his intended betrothed wife, Mary, was expecting a child, and Joseph knew it was not his! He did not want to believe her “story.” It was the Word of God, spoken through the angel, which moved Joseph to faith, and moved him to function as our Lord’s earthly father. For this man of faith, we give thanks to God.
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 7:10-17
(The coming of Immanuel is foretold to Ahaz.)
EPISTLE READING: Romans 1:1-7
(Paul begins to tell the Romans about Jesus, the Son of God and descendant of David.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 1:18-25
(Joseph is told of the coming birth of Jesus.)