Today, on the 4th Sunday of Advent, the readings get more specific about Christmas. Let’s begin with the Gospel’s story of Joseph.
Matthew’s version of the Christmas story is tied very closely to the evangelist’s central focus of presenting to his Jewish-Christian community that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. It begins with a very detailed genealogy that traces the family line of Abraham through several generations, through David, and all the way to Joseph, husband of Mary. And in today’s passage, we see that same Joseph confronted with the impossible and embarrassing pregnancy of the woman with whom he is betrothed.
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”
In today’s First Reading from Isaiah, we have the very passage quoted by Matthew, almost word for word. In this passage, we are dropped right in the middle of a complicated storyline. Ahaz, king of Judah and descendant of David, had already turned against the Lord by forming an alliance with Assyria, an enemy of Israel, against the counsel of his advisor Isaiah. There would indeed be a future king, Hezekiah, born of a young, unmarried woman. Hezekiah, mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, would ensure the continuation of the royal line of David. The Catholic Church teaches a transcendent fulfillment of this Isaiah passage in the birth of Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph of the royal line of David.
The role of the Holy Spirit is also affirmed in the Second reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The Holy Spirit helps explain the impossibility of a virgin birth and the miracle of God become human. It is Joseph’s openness to the Holy Spirit that allows him to put aside his fear and accept Mary as his wife. Inspired by the Spirit, Joseph comes to realize that in his own impossible circumstances, “God is with him.” That’s Good News. God is with us!
4th Sunday of Advent Entrance Antiphon Drop Down Dew from Above (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #12
This antiphon is from Isaiah, prophet and poet: “Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.”
Entrance Chant Come, Emmanuel (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #137; Breaking Bread 2026 #62
We have a very short window of opportunity to sing our beautiful Advent songs. Once again, here is Trevor Thomson’s striking ballad of Emmanuel who is cited in today’s readings.
Responsorial Psalm Let the Lord Enter; He Is the King of Glory (Ben Walther)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 32
Psalm 24 is a prayer that asks the Lord to enter our hearts. Ben Walther’s verbatim setting captures Advent joy.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 34
This acclamation text is cited in both the First Reading and the Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Let It Be Done (Chris Muglia)
Spirit & Song #323; Never Too Young #204
“Let It Be Done” is one of the few Advent songs that references the story of Joseph in today’s Gospel of Matthew.
4th Sunday of Advent Communion Antiphon Behold, a Virgin Shall Conceive (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #13
Once again, the Isaiah text from the First Reading is sung in the official prayers of today’s liturgy.
Communion Chant Emmanuel (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Song #140; Never Too Young #148; Breaking Bread 2026 #58
Steve Angrisano’s song utilizes the text of the “O Antiphons,” a special prayer of the Church during these final days of Advent as we count down to Christmas Day.
Sending Forth Ready the Way (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #142; Never Too Young #147; Breaking Bread 2026 #53
Let’s close out our Advent season with this beloved song by Curtis Stephan.
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