Fourth Sunday of Advent, http://www.tribtimes.org
2 views
Skip to first unread message
William Zambrano MD
Dec 21, 2025, 8:00:48 AM (12 days ago) 12/21/25
to Tribulation Times
Tribulation Times
(Mat 1:20-24) But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.
BLOG: Patristic Wisdom: Looking to the Fourth Sunday in Advent
CHURCHPOP: The Catholic Meaning of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas': The Secret Code Explained
BISHOP BARRON VIDEO LINK: https://x.com/BishopBarron/status/1870885604348604793
Friends, on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come to the Advent figure par excellence: the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. What I want to do in this homily is to look at some of the Church’s classical titles of Mary. These are not simply pious exclamations, but rather very substantive insights into her role in bringing Christ to birth—both in history and in us today.
YOUTUBE ADVENT HOMILY: H.O.P.E, P.E.A.C.E, J.O.Y., L.O.V.E.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Matthew's account shows us what it takes to bring Jesus into our world. Hearing this brief passage, we realize that this gospel is much more than a history lesson in "how the birth of Jesus came about."
It's also a lesson in how we can not only get ready for Christmas, but how we can continue to bring Christ into our world, especially in this troubled time.
First, we need to be able to believe. Be willing to take a leap of faith. Set aside skepticism and be open to wonder. This passage begins with a miracle, a virgin conceiving a child. Understand that our God is the God of astonishment and possibility. Expect the unexpected. The Holy Spirit can spark amazement and miracles -- and even bring about something as improbable as a virgin being with child.
In our cynical, materialistic age, when Christmas is dominated by consumerism and consumption, here is a reminder that this feast begins with mystery and is fueled by love -- God's love for our fallen world. This is how faith takes root and grows.
Secondly, we need to be fearless -- and, of course, be open to the advice of angels. What does Joseph hear in his dream? An angel speaks to him the same words Gabriel spoke to Mary at the Annunciation: "Do not be afraid." If we want to welcome Christ, if we want him to come into our world, we need to be brave enough and bold enough to let it happen. Defy cynicism and fear and doubt. We can all benefit from taking time to do what Joseph did and make room for God to do his work. Embrace the consoling truth of the Messiah's name, "God is with us." That's a welcome message for this season and any season.
Finally, we need to be awake. Joseph was only able to do what the angel told him after he'd awakened from sleep. He welcomed a new day and saw the path before him with fresh clarity and focus. And from that moment on, he quietly, purposefully set out to do what God wanted and he surrendered to the Lord's will for his life.
Likewise, we need to shake off our slumber and welcome Jesus as we would a new day. Joseph gave his child the name by which he'd be known; in a similar way, we're also called to make known the name of Jesus. That means more than just singing "Away in a Manger" on Christmas Eve. It means making that name matter, announcing it to the world in what we do, how we live and how we love -- not just in late December, but all year long.
CATHOLIC DAILY REFLECTION: Joseph’s dream was no ordinary dream. The Holy Spirit accompanied the angel and instilled the certitude of faith in Joseph’s mind, empowering his will to obey God’s will. Joseph became the father and guardian of the Savior of the World. On December 8, 1847, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph to be the Universal Patron and Protector of the Catholic Church. Just as he protected the Son of God, so he intercedes for us who are members of Christ’s body, the Church.
As our Advent season enters its final week, we are reminded of the role that Jesus’ foster father played not only in the life of the Holy Family, but also about the role Saint Joseph continues to play in the life of the Church and in each one of our lives. His intercessory power from Heaven is great, and we should not hesitate to call upon his prayers, especially when we need protection, struggle with fear, or face some grave challenge.
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
Subscribe Unsubscribe View Archives
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: https://bibleinayearonline.com/december-oyb/?version=63&startmmdd=0101
FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT, 2025(Mat 1:20-24) But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.
BLOG: Patristic Wisdom: Looking to the Fourth Sunday in Advent
CHURCHPOP: The Catholic Meaning of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas': The Secret Code Explained
BISHOP BARRON VIDEO LINK: https://x.com/BishopBarron/status/1870885604348604793
Friends, on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come to the Advent figure par excellence: the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. What I want to do in this homily is to look at some of the Church’s classical titles of Mary. These are not simply pious exclamations, but rather very substantive insights into her role in bringing Christ to birth—both in history and in us today.
YOUTUBE ADVENT HOMILY: H.O.P.E, P.E.A.C.E, J.O.Y., L.O.V.E.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Matthew's account shows us what it takes to bring Jesus into our world. Hearing this brief passage, we realize that this gospel is much more than a history lesson in "how the birth of Jesus came about."
It's also a lesson in how we can not only get ready for Christmas, but how we can continue to bring Christ into our world, especially in this troubled time.
First, we need to be able to believe. Be willing to take a leap of faith. Set aside skepticism and be open to wonder. This passage begins with a miracle, a virgin conceiving a child. Understand that our God is the God of astonishment and possibility. Expect the unexpected. The Holy Spirit can spark amazement and miracles -- and even bring about something as improbable as a virgin being with child.
In our cynical, materialistic age, when Christmas is dominated by consumerism and consumption, here is a reminder that this feast begins with mystery and is fueled by love -- God's love for our fallen world. This is how faith takes root and grows.
Secondly, we need to be fearless -- and, of course, be open to the advice of angels. What does Joseph hear in his dream? An angel speaks to him the same words Gabriel spoke to Mary at the Annunciation: "Do not be afraid." If we want to welcome Christ, if we want him to come into our world, we need to be brave enough and bold enough to let it happen. Defy cynicism and fear and doubt. We can all benefit from taking time to do what Joseph did and make room for God to do his work. Embrace the consoling truth of the Messiah's name, "God is with us." That's a welcome message for this season and any season.
Finally, we need to be awake. Joseph was only able to do what the angel told him after he'd awakened from sleep. He welcomed a new day and saw the path before him with fresh clarity and focus. And from that moment on, he quietly, purposefully set out to do what God wanted and he surrendered to the Lord's will for his life.
Likewise, we need to shake off our slumber and welcome Jesus as we would a new day. Joseph gave his child the name by which he'd be known; in a similar way, we're also called to make known the name of Jesus. That means more than just singing "Away in a Manger" on Christmas Eve. It means making that name matter, announcing it to the world in what we do, how we live and how we love -- not just in late December, but all year long.
CATHOLIC DAILY REFLECTION: Joseph’s dream was no ordinary dream. The Holy Spirit accompanied the angel and instilled the certitude of faith in Joseph’s mind, empowering his will to obey God’s will. Joseph became the father and guardian of the Savior of the World. On December 8, 1847, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph to be the Universal Patron and Protector of the Catholic Church. Just as he protected the Son of God, so he intercedes for us who are members of Christ’s body, the Church.
As our Advent season enters its final week, we are reminded of the role that Jesus’ foster father played not only in the life of the Holy Family, but also about the role Saint Joseph continues to play in the life of the Church and in each one of our lives. His intercessory power from Heaven is great, and we should not hesitate to call upon his prayers, especially when we need protection, struggle with fear, or face some grave challenge.
ADVENT RESOURCES
CATHOLIC ANSWERS TRACT: Catholic Answers Guide to Preparing for Christmas
ICBC: Advent Calendar 2025
DYNAMIC CATHOLIC: Best Advent Ever!
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY'S ONLINE MINISTRIES: Praying Advent and Celebrating Christmas
USCCB: Advent 2025
MY CATHOLIC LIFE: Advent & Christmas Prayers & Reflections
Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 5- "On painstaking and true repentance"
32. After your fall, do not believe him who says to you of small shortcomings: 'If only you had not done that great fault! But this is nothing in comparison'. Often small gifts appease the great anger of the Judge.Prayer request? Send an email to: PrayerR...@aol.com
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages