⛪ Fourth Sunday of Advent – Mass Readings (21 Dec 2025)

 

⛪ Fourth Sunday of Advent – Mass Readings (21 Dec 2025)

📖 Opening Prayer 

O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joy of everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
(This is the standard Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.) Catholic Culture




📘 First Reading — Isaiah 7:10–14

The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying:
“Ask for a sign from the Lord your God …
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
(Emmanuel means “God is with us.”) USCCB

Explanation

  • God calls Ahaz to trust in Him, not in political alliances.

  • The sign is the coming of a child whose very name — Emmanuel — reveals God’s closeness to His people.

  • For Christians, this foreshadows the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God truly coming among us in human flesh. catholicstand.com

CCC Connection

  • The Church teaches that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of God born of the Virgin Mary. This is a central point of Christian faith — that Christ is Emmanuel, “God with us.” (CCC 497, 744) catholicstand.com

🎵 Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 24:1–2, 3–4, 5–6

Response: Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all that fills it …
Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?
One whose hands are clean and whose heart is pure.” USCCB

Reflection

  • The psalm reminds us that God claims all creation, yet invites us into deeper communion with Him.

  • The one who is welcomed into God’s presence is the one who purifies heart and life — a fitting Advent theme of preparation. catholicstand.com

CCC Connection

  • Psalm 24:6 speaks to those who seek the face of God, a description of the holy life to which every Catholic is called. (CCC 2582) catholicstand.com

📗 Second Reading — Romans 1:1–7

“Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel…
about his Son … who was descended from David according to the flesh and established Son of God in power by the Spirit of holiness.
To all the beloved of God in Rome … Grace to you and peace.” USCCB

Explanation

  • St. Paul reminds believers that the Gospel is rooted in both human history (Jesus born of David’s line) and divine power (risen Lord).

  • Being “called to belong to Jesus Christ” means living in grace and peace. catholicstand.com

CCC Connection

  • Paul’s description links to the Church’s teaching on Jesus’ Incarnation and Sonship. (CCC 648, 876)

  • The text underscores that Christ’s identity and mission were promised through the prophets, now fulfilled. (CCC 437, 445) catholicstand.com

🎶 Alleluia – Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”
(Alleluia, alleluia!) USCCB

✝️ Gospel — Matthew 1:18–24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When Mary was found with child through the Holy Spirit …
an angel of the Lord said to Joseph in a dream,
“Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. …
She will bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet. USCCB

Explanation

  • The Gospel recounts Joseph’s obedience — even in confusion and hardship — responding to God’s call.

  • The name Jesus means “God saves” — a reminder that Christ’s coming is salvation for all. catholicstand.com

CCC Connection

  • Matthew’s account reveals the Incarnation — the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. (CCC 497, 430) catholicstand.com

🙏 Closing Prayer 

Lord God, faithful to your promise, grant that we who have received this sacrament of salvation may always rejoice in its saving power.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Typical Prayer After Communion for Advent Sundays.)

🧠 Application for Daily Life

  1. “God with us” in your week: In Advent, remember that Christ is with you in every moment — in joys, burdens, and decisions.

  2. Prepare your heart: Like Joseph, seek clarity in prayer before acting — let God shape your choices.

  3. Live the peace of Advent: Let grace shape how you treat others — especially at Christmas.

  4. Active waiting: Use Scripture and prayer daily (not just on Sundays) to deepen your readiness for Christ’s coming.

📚 Useful Online Sources for These Readings

  • USCCB official lectionary text for 21 Dec 2025 — Isaiah through Gospel. USCCB

  • Catholic Gallery listing (Douay-Rheims / New Jerusalem Bible structure). Catholic Gallery

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