Emmanuel: God is with Us

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A by Rev. Augustine Adetola December 21, 2025.

The 4th Sunday of Advent Year A brings us very close to Christmas. The readings help us focus on who Jesus is and why He came. We hear the name Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” This is the message we hold onto as we get ready to celebrate His birth.

Each reading gives us something to think about. Isaiah speaks of a sign—a child born to a virgin. In the first reading, Isaiah tells Ahaz that God will give a sign. This sign is a child called Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Even when people doubt, God remains faithful. God is with us always. He brings us joy, gladness and happiness. The season of Christmas is a time when we fully experience and live out this joy to fullest not only in our lives but also in the lives of others by sharing it.

Paul reminds the early Christians that Jesus was promised long ago. He says that Jesus came for all people. No one is left out. God’s plan is bigger than any one nation or group. Jesus is the Savior for everyone. No matter where someone comes from or what their past looks like, He welcomes them. Paul calls people to belong to Jesus and follow Him. This is an invitation for all. We are carriers of this invitation by sharing to everyone we meet.

The Gospel shows how this invitation is brought to completion in the life of Jesus. He is the child who comes to bring hope to the world. God does not forget His people. He is with them, just as He said He would be. Joseph listens to God and chooses to stay with Mary. He wanted to abscond because he did not understand what had taken place. However, he trusted God and stayed. This reading encourages trust in God’s plan. Even when things seem uncertain, God is present. Just as He promised Emmanuel, He promises to be with us too. He is always with us on our journey. We do not have to understand everything, let us just trust and remain committed.

On this very last Sunday of Advent, let re-access our journey so far and check if we are truly ready for the coming of the savior into our hearts. Christmas is around the corner; the true and authentic preparation we make is the one in our hearts and not the one outside. Jesus wants to dwell in our hearts and make a home there. Let’s invite Jesus to come into us this season.

Lord, help us to trust You as Joseph did. Give us faith to follow Your plan, even when we do not understand. Teach us to rely on Your promises instead of our fears. Guide us as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. May we welcome Him with open hearts. Amen.