Advent Weekday on December 18

• First Reading – Jeremiah 23:5-8: The Lord announces a future king, a descendant of David, who will rule wisely and bring justice. Under his reign, Judah and Israel will be safe and honor the Lord as their justice.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72; Prayers for the king to embody God’s justice, ruling with fairness and compassion, especially for the poor and needy. Praise to God, whose glory and miraculous works fill the earth.
• Gospel – Matthew 1:18-25: Before Mary and Joseph cohabitated, Mary was divinely impregnated. Joseph, a just man, planned to discreetly divorce her but was instructed by an angel in a dream to accept her. The angel explained the Holy Spirit’s role in the conception and the child’s destiny to save people from sins. This fulfilled the prophecy of Emmanuel, “God with us.” Obediently, Joseph took Mary as his wife, naming the child Jesus.

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:20-21

On an Advent Weekday on December 18, the readings point to God’s promise of a Savior and the faithfulness needed to embrace His plan. The prophecy in Jeremiah speaks of a righteous leader, while the Gospel tells of Joseph’s trust in God’s message regarding the birth of Jesus.

• Promise of a King: God promises to raise a righteous descendant of David. This reminds us that God’s plan includes a Savior who brings justice and peace.
• God’s Faithfulness: Jeremiah’s prophecy shows God’s faithfulness to His covenant. This encourages us to trust that God keeps His promises even in uncertain times.
• Joseph’s Obedience: In the Gospel, Joseph follows the angel’s instruction despite his fears. This shows the importance of listening to God’s guidance, even when it is difficult.
• Emmanuel—God with Us: The Gospel highlights Jesus as “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” This emphasizes that God is present among His people, fulfilling the promise of a Savior.
• Role of Mary and Joseph: Both Mary and Joseph play important roles in God’s plan for salvation. Their cooperation reminds us that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
• Trusting God’s Plan: Joseph’s acceptance of the angel’s message shows trust in God’s plan. This inspires us to have faith, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging.

These themes for an Advent Weekday on December 18 encourage reflection on God’s promises, trust in His guidance, and the fulfillment of His plan through Jesus. They remind us to be open to God’s will, just as Mary and Joseph were.

The readings for an Advent Weekday on December 18 invite us to reflect on the themes of God’s faithfulness, obedience to His call, and the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us.” Both the reading from Jeremiah and the Gospel about Joseph encourage us to trust in God’s promises, follow His guidance, and welcome His presence in our lives. These reflections help us to embrace Advent’s spirit of hope and readiness for Christ’s coming.

God’s Faithfulness to His Promises

On an Advent Weekday on December 18, Jeremiah’s message emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises. He speaks of a future king from David’s line who will bring justice and safety to the people. This promise points to Jesus, the long-awaited Savior. God’s words through Jeremiah remind us that He fulfills His promises, even when things seem unclear or delayed.

Trusting God’s faithfulness can be difficult, especially in times of uncertainty or disappointment. But God’s promise of sending a Savior reassures us of His commitment to His people. We can reflect on how God has kept His promises in our own lives, even in unexpected ways. Remembering these moments helps build our trust in Him.

Advent calls us to wait and trust in God’s timing. Just as the people waited for the Savior, we wait for Christ to enter our lives anew. As we prepare for Christmas, let us hold onto the hope that God is faithful and that His promises never fail. This reflection invites us to grow in trust as we prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts.

Joseph’s Obedience to God’s Call

The Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 18 brings the story of Joseph’s response to God’s message. The Gospel shows Joseph’s struggle when he learns of Mary’s pregnancy. He plans to quietly end their engagement, but an angel tells him not to be afraid, for the child is from the Holy Spirit. Joseph listens, believes, and takes Mary as his wife.

Joseph’s obedience shows the courage needed to follow God’s will, even when it disrupts our own plans. He could have chosen an easier path, but he trusted in God’s guidance. This teaches us that following God sometimes requires stepping out of our comfort zone. It also shows that God provides guidance when we listen.

We are reminded to seek God’s will, especially during Advent, a time of preparation and expectation. As we wait for Christ’s coming, let us ask for the courage to obey God’s call in our lives. Joseph’s faithfulness encourages us to trust God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or unexpected.

Emmanuel: God With Us

The theme of “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us,” is central on an Advent Weekday on December 18. Both readings highlight God’s closeness to His people. Jeremiah speaks of a coming king who will shepherd the people, bringing peace and safety. In the Gospel, the angel announces that Jesus will be called Emmanuel, signifying God’s presence among us.

This theme reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent. He desires to be with us in our struggles, joys, and everyday moments. God’s promise to be with His people, fulfilled in Jesus, offers comfort and hope. It assures us that we are never alone, especially during times of waiting or uncertainty.

As we reflect on this promise, we are encouraged to welcome God’s presence into our hearts this Advent. Let us open ourselves to His love and guidance, knowing that He is truly “with us.” Embracing the promise of Emmanuel invites us to a deeper relationship with God, not just during Advent, but in every season of life.

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An Advent Weekday on December 18 reminds us that God is faithful, calls us to obey His will, and desires to be with us. As we prepare for Christ’s birth, may we open our hearts to His love and guidance. May these reflections encourage us to trust more deeply, obey courageously, and welcome the presence of Emmanuel in our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are Emmanuel, God with us. Help us trust in your promises, follow your guidance, and welcome you with open hearts. Give us courage to say yes to your will, like Joseph did. May your presence bring us hope and peace during this Advent season. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What is one promise from God that you are holding onto during this Advent season?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to listen and respond more like Joseph?
• How do you experience God’s presence as “Emmanuel” in your daily life?
• In what ways can you prepare your heart to welcome Christ more fully this Advent?

Word on Fire: God’s Surprising Entrance

For an Advent Weekday on December 18, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Incarnation, the central claim of Christianity: that God became human. The creator of the universe, infinite and eternal, took on a fragile human nature. This miraculous event unfolded not in a major cultural or political center but in humble Bethlehem, a small outpost in the Roman Empire.

This “sacred joke,” as G.K. Chesterton called it, has moved even the most skeptical hearts and filled believers with delight for centuries. It reminds us of the extraordinary humility and love of God, who came to us in the most unexpected way.

What are the Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 18?

The Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 18 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 23:5-8: Promise of a Righteous King
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72; Reign of Just Leadership
Gospel – Matthew 1:18-25: Jesus’ Birth Foretold

What is the main message of the first reading on an Advent Weekday on December 18?

The first reading speaks about a promise of a righteous leader from the line of David. It points to God’s plan to bring hope and justice through a king who will care for His people.

How does the first reading apply to us?

The first reading encourages us to trust that God keeps His promises. It reminds us that God’s plans often take time, but they always bring hope and peace.

Why is Joseph important in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 18?

Joseph shows obedience and trust in God. He listens to the angel’s message and takes Mary as his wife, showing us how to respond to God with faith, even in challenging situations.

What can we learn from Joseph’s response to the angel?

Joseph’s response teaches us to trust God, even when we do not fully understand His plans. It shows that trusting God often involves taking a step of faith.

Why is Jesus called Emmanuel in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 18?

Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This title shows that God has come to live among us, bringing His love and saving presence to the world.

How does Joseph’s obedience relate to our daily lives?

Joseph’s obedience is an example for us to follow. It shows that saying “yes” to God’s plan can bring peace, even in confusing times.

What do the readings for an Advent Weekday on December 18 teach about God’s timing?

The readings show that God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems slow or difficult. It reminds us that God works according to His schedule, not ours.

How can we prepare our hearts during Advent, like Joseph did?

We can prepare by being open to God’s will, listening to Him in prayer, and acting with faith. This makes room for God to work in our lives as He did in Joseph’s.

Why does the angel reassure Joseph in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 18?

The angel reassures Joseph because he was afraid of the situation. This shows that God understands our fears and wants to give us courage.

What is the significance of trusting God’s plan?

Trusting God’s plan helps us draw closer to Him and recognize His presence in our lives. It invites us to embrace His love and guidance, just as Joseph did.