Advent Devotional December 24, 2025

Scripture

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.

Devotion

The Rev. Dr. Ebony Grisom '25

“Silent Night” has been playing in my ear for months, even as my liturgically inclined self protests, “The baby isn’t born yet.” Hence, I was relieved to learn that “Silent Night” was originally a poem set to music and first performed before a Christmas Eve Mass in 1818! What began as a modest guitar and choral arrangement yielded complex versions that have been translated into over 300 languages. “Silent Night” captures the holy serenity surrounding Jesus’ Birth.

I wonder if the same sense surrounded Joseph when the angel appeared in a dream. Matthew records Joseph’s decision to divorce Mary, his betrothed but not yet known, after learning that she was pregnant. A righteous man, Joseph planned to do so quietly to protect her from scandal. Divorcing Mary was permitted under the perceived circumstances. But what should one do when permission contradicts prophecy? Righteousness extends beyond rules to consider relationship—with oneself, community, and God. Righteousness invites us to pivot, leaving us open to follow a future that we could not have imagined.

Initially unaware of God’s purposes, Joseph yields to God’s plan. The angel tells him, “Do not be afraid”. It reveals the human tendency to yield to fear, and God’s encouragement to proceed because “God (is) with us”. The angel’s assignment is a success: Joseph awakens, marries Mary, and names their baby, Jesus. Matthew doesn’t record Joseph speaking. He “merely” awakens and acts. In a world that tempts us to announce every move, Joseph’s silence speaks volumes. As they say, “Don’t talk about it, be about it.” Joseph fades into the biblical narrative, but his character lives in Jesus. The carpenter’s son becomes our exemplar of a righteous man who seeks mercy, enacts justice, and covers his family with love. Like father, like son.

On Advent’s last day, we give thanks for the Son of God, love’s pure light, and for Joseph, who helped to illumine His way. When this day turns to night, may angels attend to you as you sleep, transforming your fear into the joy that comes in the morning. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Prayer

God, thank you for the gift of Advent. As our preparation to receive Your Son comes to an end, may our hearts be transformed and be made ready for His Presence. May we receive Him anew with gratitude, the desire to share His love, and the will to work for peace on earth. Amen.

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