Homily: December 21, 2025, Fourth Sunday of Advent (Joseph -Trust)

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“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”

God chose Joseph, a simple carpenter, to be the foster father of His beloved Son. A man from Nazareth, an insignificant town. A man with no power, no influence, no recorded words in Scripture.

Yet Joseph stands at the very heart of the salvation story. What makes him so important is not what he said, but what God entrusted him with. There were kings and scholars, priests and leaders, wealthy and influential men. But God entrusted His Son not to them. He entrusted Him to Joseph.

That tells us something profound about Joseph’s character. If God trusted him with Jesus, then Joseph must have been a man of deep integrity, quiet strength, steady faith, and faithful obedience. He did not question God’s decision, did not demand explanation to be convinced, nor sought recognition for his sacrifices. He listened. He trusted. He obeyed. And he acted without delay.

This Fourth Sunday of Advent invites us to look closely at St. Joseph, the appointed earthly father for Jesus. To look at and observe him closely, and to imitate him, especially the men among us.

In his humble disposition in this huge role in the salvation of the world, Joseph teaches us:

1) Silence amidst noise.

2) Trust even without full understanding.

3) Obedience amidst uncertainty.

4) Mercy beyond mere justice.

5) Love in concrete action. 

Unlike Mary, Joseph was not immaculately conceived without sin. He was like every one of us, saddled with original sin at birth. Yet he lived and died in holiness.

He lived life in an ordinary way, although he knew he was taking care of extraordinary family members. He was silently humble in fulfilling his duties even though he was assigned a role which most people would want to brag about. He was ready to let go his own pride and plans, to follow God’s will and way, even when it didn’t seem to make sense or appeal to human logic.

That was what made Joseph extraordinary.

We are just a few days away from Christmas day. The world is preparing with lots of noise and fanfare, Joseph would have kept silent and still as he observed Mary’s growing pregnancy and preparing to assist her in the birth.

Have you found time to also be silent and still to ponder the wonderful mystery of God becoming man?

Or have you been busy and noisy with the world?

Remember, Advent is a season of silent waiting, not serious shopping. It becomes extremely difficult to hear God when we are in a rush or constantly bombarded with noise and chatter.

Joseph reminds us that God often speaks in silence. Let us slow down. Pause. Keep still. Keep silent. Look at Jesus. Look at Mary. Look at Joseph. Reflect.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Jesus, Savior of the world, come and be with us.

Amen.


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