Simply the Sermon for December 21, 2025: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Our texts for Sunday, December 21, the 4th Sunday of Advent are: Isaiah 7:10-16;  Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25.

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. Today's gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the annunciation (how Joseph was told the back story of Mary's surprising and completely faithful pregnancy) and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

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