Fourth Sunday Advent

St Bernadette Church, Bayou Vista

Fourth Sunday of Advent Sermon

Is 7:10-14; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

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Theme: Two Fathers, Two Choices

As we come to the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church places before us two men: King Ahaz and Saint Joseph. Though separated by centuries, they are paired deliberately. On this final Sunday of preparation, the Church invites us to see in them a contrast that speaks directly to how we receive the coming of the Lord.

Although Luke centers his birth narrative on Mary, Matthew highlights Joseph, through whom Jesus enters the line of David (Matt. 1:1–17). Luke emphasizes Mary’s obedience and the angel’s appearance to her, while Matthew focuses on Joseph’s obedience and affirms that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. In contrast to Ahaz, Joseph responds with quiet trust and faithful obedience, making room for Emmanuel.

Ahaz, king of Judah (735–715 BC), found himself threatened by an alliance between Syria and Israel after refusing to join their rebellion against Assyria. Rather than trusting in the Lord, Ahaz planned to secure his throne by appealing to Assyria for protection.

Surrounded by enemies and gripped by fear, he was offered a sign by God through the prophet Isaiah—an open invitation to trust in God’s presence and power. God promised the birth of a child as a sign that he was with his people. Yet Ahaz refused the sign, not out of reverence or humility, but out of fear and unbelief.  He chose human plans instead of trusting God. It is a sad preference for earthly security over faith in God.

His refusal to trust the Lord leads him down a dark path, even to sacrificing his own son (2 Kings 16:3). In this, Ahaz becomes a warning about what happens when fear replaces faith. The contrast with Saint Joseph could not be clearer: Ahaz sacrifices his son to preserve power; Joseph gives his life to protect the Son entrusted to him.

Joseph, too, faces a crisis. He is not powerful or influential, but a carpenter of quiet integrity. When he learns that Mary is with child, his world is turned upside down. The Law gives him options (Deut 22:23–24), yet Matthew calls him a “just man” because his justice is merciful. He resolves to divorce Mary quietly, sparing her shame.

Then God intervenes in a dream: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.” Those words echo throughout Advent. Joseph believes. He does not ask for proof or demand certainty. He rises and does exactly what God commands. From that moment on, his life is no longer his own. He takes Mary into his home, names the child Jesus, and becomes the guardian of Emmanuel.

Here is the heart of this Fourth Sunday of Advent. Ahaz clings to control and closes himself to God’s presence. Joseph surrenders control and makes room for God to dwell among us. One relies on fear and calculation; the other trusts and becomes part of salvation history.

There is a story of a father teaching his child to swim. The child stands at the edge of the pool, afraid. The father says, “Jump. I will catch you.” After hesitating, the child closes his eyes and jumps—not because he understands the water, but because he trusts his father. Faith works the same way. Ahaz refused to jump. Joseph trusted the promise and stepped forward.

As Christmas draws near, we need to ask ourselves: Which man will we be like?

Saint Joseph teaches us that holiness is often quiet and unseen. It does not demand control or recognition. It makes space for God. On this final Sunday of Advent, may we, like Joseph, be just men and women—ready to receive Emmanuel and to place our lives completely in God’s hands.

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