Matthew 1:18-25 | Roadmaps (and the genius of GPS) help pave the way for our travels – telling us where to go and exactly how long it’ll take to get there. But for Joseph, whom we meet in our Gospel this weekend, his roadmap was interrupted not once, not twice, but over and over again. Each of these turning points had the potential to completely disorient him. But instead, each of these disruptions reoriented him to God as he said “yes” for God to have God’s way in him. For ourselves, as we close the season of Advent, we may recognize “turning points” that’ve led us in different directions, and we may recognize approaching “turning points.” Like Joseph, these disruptions can disorient us. But following the example of the saints who’ve gone before us, we too are invited to live even more deeply in God’s story. So before turning to the news of Christ’s birth, join us this weekend as we hear the promise of Emmanuel – God with us – and as we allow God to have God’s way in – and through – us.
Sunday, December 21, 2025, Fourth Sunday in Advent
Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Gathering Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite. Music: French processional, 15th cent. Text and Music: © 1997, 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come. Text: attr. Ambrose of Milan, 340-397; Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. hymnal version. Music: J. Walter, Geistliche Gesangbüchlein, 1524. Text: © 2006 Augsburg Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: What Child is This. Text and Music: Carol Tornquist. Text and Music: © 1997, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008 Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.). Covered under CCLI subscription.
Communion Song: Mother of God. Performed by The Brilliance. ℗ 2011 The Brilliance. Privately Purchased by Aleese Kenitzer. Sending Song: Joy to the World. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Text and Music: © Public Domain.