4th Sunday of Advent 2025: December 21

We have arrived at the final Sunday of Advent, poised on the brink of Christmas. This week, our readings invite us to reflect on the profound story of the Incarnation—God’s decision to dwell among us. As we light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath, we prepare our hearts to welcome Emmanuel, “God with us.” Join us for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2025!

Join us for Morning Prayer in the way that suits you! You can worship with us in person, via live stream, through video replay, or as a podcast.

Join Us Electronically 4th Sunday of Advent 2025!

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The live feed and playback begin at 8:50 AM with the organ prelude, and the service starts at 9:00 AM.

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Did you know that we are available on all major platforms? Our podcast covers everything from the opening hymn to the sharing of the peace.

The Collect for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2025

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2025

Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-16

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13 Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

The Epistle: Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Reflection on the Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2025

Join us as we look at the readings for this Sunday!

Old Testament – Isaiah 7:10-16

During a time of political crisis, the prophet Isaiah confronts King Ahaz with God’s offer of a sign—any sign the king might choose, from the depths to the heights. However, Ahaz refuses the offer, masking his lack of faith with a facade of piety. In response, Isaiah declares that God will provide a sign, regardless: a young woman will bear a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy, fulfilled in its own historical context, points forward to an even greater fulfillment in Christ. Ultimately, God’s presence with His people cannot be hindered by human reluctance or disbelief.

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

This psalm expresses a heartfelt plea for restoration and deliverance. The people call out to the Shepherd of Israel, asking God to shine forth from His throne and stir up His strength to help them. The repeated refrain, “Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of Your countenance, and we shall be saved,” captures their deep longing for God’s saving presence. The psalmist appeals to God’s faithfulness, asking that His hand rest upon “the son of man” He has chosen. This alludes to the coming of Christ, who will ultimately restore God’s people.

Epistle – Romans 1:1-7

Paul begins his letter to the Romans by introducing himself and the gospel he proclaims. This gospel, promised through the prophets in Scripture, centers on God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is both a descendant of David in his humanity and the declared Son of God in power through his resurrection. Paul has been called to bring the obedience of faith to all nations, including the Romans he is addressing. He greets them as God’s beloved, called to be saints, and offers them grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel – Matthew 1:18-25

In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, the story is told from Joseph’s perspective. When Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant before their marriage, he considers ending their engagement quietly to protect her from public shame. However, an angel appears to him in a dream and explains that the Holy Spirit conceived Mary’s child and will save his people from their sins. The angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus and reminds him that this event fulfills the prophecy from Isaiah about Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” Joseph obeys the angel’s message, marries Mary, and names the child Jesus at birth.

The central theme of these readings is Emmanuel: God’s faithful presence with His people. Despite human reluctance, political turmoil, and seemingly impossible circumstances, God fulfills His promise to dwell among us. Joseph’s obedience reflects the faithful response that God seeks from all of us—trusting in His unexpected ways and being willing to participate in His saving work. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the Incarnation is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality. God continues to be with us, offering grace, peace, and salvation.