MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 21 DECEMBER
December 21, 2025
SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI – 22nd DECEMBER
December 22, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
21 DECEMBER, 2025
Matthew 1:18–24
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was righteous
and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he decided to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This passage reveals the quiet courage and deep faith of Joseph. Faced with confusion and fear, he chooses compassion over judgment and obedience over self-interest. God enters the world not through power or spectacle, but through trust, humility, and a heart willing to listen. Joseph’s yes allows Emmanuel—God with us—to dwell among humanity. In his silence and action, we see that faith often speaks loudest through obedience.
PRAYER
Lord God, You chose to enter our world through trust and humility. Grant us hearts like Joseph’s—open to Your voice, courageous in obedience, and gentle in love. When we are afraid or uncertain, help us to trust that You are with us. May we welcome Emmanuel into our lives each day and live according to Your will. Amen
