Advent Season · Year A
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Last Sunday before Christmas · December 21, 2025
Overview & Insights
“They shall name him Emmanuel, which means, ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
Matthew concludes the genealogy from Abraham to Joseph by connecting Jesus’ birth to Mary, not to Joseph (1:16). In 1:18–25 Matthew “solves” this conundrum by emphasizing that Joseph names Jesus (1:21, 25), thereby adopting Jesus as his own son. This birth story also moves seamlessly into Matthew 2, where Jesus’ birth threatens the ruling “king of the Jews,” Herod. Themes introduced in this passage include Jesus as the one who will save his people from their sins (1:21; cf. 26:28), and Jesus as “God with us” (1:23). The latter motif is central to Matthew, given its strategic placement at the beginning and end of the narrative (1:23; 28:20: “I am with you always”; see also 18:20).
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 1:18-25 Working Preacher
Argues the passage is Matthew's first 'formula quotation,' using the Isaiah 7:14 citation of parthenos to frame Joseph's dilemma as the hinge of how the testaments relate.
Matthew 1:18-25 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed-voice reading of the naming of Jesus, tying the angel's instruction to fulfill Isaiah's 'Immanuel' prophecy directly to Advent 4's God-with-us theme.
Courageous Love: SALT's Commentary for Advent Week Four SALT Project
Frames Joseph as 'a righteous man' who knew the harsh betrothal law and reads his quiet decision not to expose Mary as an act of courageous, compassionate love that models Jesus' own saving love.
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A: Sunday Connection Loyola Press
Catholic lectionary-based reflection and family-catechesis notes on Joseph's obedience in the birth narrative, built specifically for Cycle A's Matthew reading.
In Jesus' Name, Advent 4 (A) — December 21, 2025 Sermons That Work / The Episcopal Church
Episcopal preaching resource exploring what the name 'Jesus' (and 'Immanuel') given to Joseph reveals about the mystery of the Incarnation across all four Advent 4A readings.
Background & Word Study
Call Him Jesus. No, Emmanuel. Oh, Okay, Jesus. Left Behind and Loving It (D. Mark Davis)
Line-by-line Greek translation notes on Matthew 1:18-25, including the angel's naming instructions and how 'Emmanuel' functions grammatically against 'Jesus.'
What does Joseph contribute to the story of Jesus' origins in Matthew 1? Psephizo (Ian Paul)
Close textual study contrasting Matthew's Joseph-centered genealogy and dream-narrative with Luke's Mary-centered account, addressing what each writer preserves that the other omits.
Questions preachers ask
Whose story is Matthew 1:18-25?
Joseph’s. Matthew gives the annunciation to him, in a dream, and the whole account turns on what a righteous man does with a scandal he did not cause. He is told to take Mary as his wife and to give the child his name, and he does both without a word recorded.
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