December 21, 2025 4th Sunday of Advent

This week we light the candle of love. It is no small thing to change direction in life, especially when family expectations and social norms can make life harder than it needs to be. Yet, Joseph and Mary do a remarkable thing as they face uncertainty. They trust God’s promise that something incredible is about to happen. They take the angel’s words to heart and lean into the possibility of God’s Holy Spirit doing something neither of them expected. Joseph and Mary are at a new beginning. Isaiah’s language reminds us of the relationship that stands at the center of this divine arrival: God is with us, Goe is with humanity. We stand at a similar threshold every time God gathers us in worship. In word and sacrament, God’s promise unfolds anew, birthing love and grace in our lives. As God chose to be with Mary and Joseph, God has chosen to be with us, as we together bear witness to the Spirit who brings about a world where sin is forgiven and God is ever near.