WC 22/12 LOVE

We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

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GATHER

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What is love? (Baby, don't hurt me)...

Is there only one type of love?

What's the difference between family love, and other love?

WORD

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew: Glory to you O Lord.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.

When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel’

which means, God with us.

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.

The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

As Awe move through Advent, the focus shifts to God's Christmas gift of love: the Incarnation. t the heart of the Gospel for this week, we find an incredible, quiet example of what true love looks like in the life of Joseph.

The Gospel of Matthew presents a moment crisis for Joseph. Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant, and the child is not his. According to the laws of the time, Joseph had every right to expose Mary to public shame, divorce her publicly, and ruin her life. This would have been a matter of protecting his own honour and reputation.

But Joseph was a “righteous man.” He was a man of deep faith and extraordinary love. He must have been completely heart-broken, but he chose mercy and humility:

"being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame,

resolved to send her away quietly"

He chose to endure the suspicion and rumours of others, and sacrifice his reputation in order to protect the woman he loved.

It is only after this act of merciful love that God sends an angel in a dream to explain everything. The angel confirms that the child is from God, saying,

"do not fear to take Mary as your wife,

for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

Here we learn that the highest form of love is intense or passionate feelings, but through trust, loyalty, and mercy.

Love chooses Mercy: Joseph put Mary’s dignity and safety above his own public pride. True love always seeks to protect the vulnerable.

Love acts on Trust: Joseph didn't wait until he fully understood; he acted on faith in Mary and then trusted the angel’s message, making a commitment that changed history.

Love is Loyal: He fully committed to Mary and Jesus, becoming their protector and guardian.

Joseph’s love for Mary and for God made way for Jesus to be born. As we prepare for Christmas, Joseph challenges us to live out love not just in comfortable times, but when our love requires sacrifice, trust in God, and unwavering loyalty to those we care about.

How does this Gospel challenge or comfort you?

MISSION

Think of one person in your life who is misunderstood, subject to rumours, or feeling alone. This week, consider how to respond like St Joseph.

COLLECT

Let us pray…

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,

your grace into our hearts,

that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son

was made known by the message of an Angel,

may by his Passion and Cross

be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.