Fourth Week of Advent Reflection

Fourth Sunday of Advent Reflection
December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7: 10-14

Psalm 24: 6-10
Response: Let the Lord enter;
he is the King of Glory.

Romans 1: 1-7

Matthew 11:2-11

“Living Word, we lift up our heads that the King of glory may come in!” 

Words such as these may have been on Joseph’s lips as he prepared for what was to become a restless night. Tossing and turning as were the questions in his mind, Joseph could not help but wonder. “Who? Who has taken my own? My own, your gift to me? What? What shall I do? What must I do?”

A sign for the answer? “The sign is she. The sign is mine. What can I do? The sign for Ahaz was ‘the virgin will conceive…’ (Isaiah).” Joseph had a sign, a living sign. “You know who we are,” he continued to pray. “You know when we sit, when we stand, when we fall.” 

LIFT UP YOUR HEADS…RISE UP, YOU ANCIENT PORTALS THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY ENTER. (Ps 24:7)

“I’ve waited. We’ve waited. My Mary and I. My Mary , strong yet fragile, I am called to protect. In law? Privately…

Holy One, You promise us everything. We trust as we can. We name your name. ‘Who is this King of Glory? The Lord, mighty in battle. He is the King of Glory. Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may enter. He is Emmanuel.”

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because she has conceived by the Holy Spirit.” (Mt. 1: 20b-21)

Spend some time with Joseph and pray with him:

LIFT UP YOUR HEADS…RISE UP, YOU ANCIENT PORTALS THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY ENTER. (Ps 24: 7)

Written by Carol Kelzer, ASLW & Partners in Prayer
Sioux City IA