Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis
Fr. Justine John DYIKUK
Dear friends in Christ,
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A (21 December 2025), I bring you greetings and God’s blessings!
Theme: Igniting the Emmanuel Event!
Introduction
Friends in Christ, as we gather on this final Sunday of Advent, we reach a significant milestone in our four-week journey of preparation for the Lord’s nativity. The Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings us a refreshing message of hope, proclaiming that a virgin will conceive and bear a Son named Emmanuel. This profound prophecy is beautifully expanded upon in the gospel (Mat 1:18-24), where we explore the circumstances surrounding the birth of our saviour, culminating in the powerful reminder of His name, Emmanuel – God is with us.
Review of the Readings
The first reading (Is. 7:10-14) shows that Isaiah urged King Ahaz of Judah to ask for a sign from God amid threats from Aram and Ephraim. Ahaz chose to trust God, who then revealed a sign: a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son named Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.”
In the second reading (Romans 1:1-7), Saint Paul articulates that we have been bestowed with the grace of apostleship, which empowers us to promote the obedience of faith among those who are called to holiness. Furthermore, he emphasises that all individuals are called to become Saints.
The gospel (Mat. 1:18-24) elaborates on Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the saviour’s birth, naming him Emmanuel – God with us. When Joseph learned that his betrothed, Mary, was pregnant, he planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public shame. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, telling him that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Upon waking, Joseph followed the angel’s command and took Mary as his wife.
Takeaway Lessons
- This season calls for the Emmanuel-Effect to guide our lives, allowing God to control every word and deed.
- We are encouraged to embrace God’s presence in the sacraments, which grant us new life, the bread of life, healing, forgiveness, and the guidance of priests, while uniting man and woman to enrich the domestic Church with their children.
- Paul’s call to holiness reminds us to let God’s presence be felt in our lives as we embody the Emmanuel-Event this Christmas.
- This season invites us to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, remembering that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived by His power.
- Mary and Joseph trusted God to guide and fulfill their plans. We should also entrust our present and future to God.
Conclusion
As Christmas approaches, let us trust the Lord with our cares, believing He will meet our needs (Cf. Psalm 55:22). May our preparations draw inspiration from Joseph’s School of virtue, allowing us to feel God’s presence in our hearts and lives. I urge you to ignite the Emmanuel Event by becoming a living sign of God’s glory everywhere you find yourself. Have a great week!
