God’s Love Made Visible in Christ!

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Is 7:10-14; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1: 18-24

The fourth Sunday of Advent announces God’s love in the person of Jesus Christ.  

The readings of the day present Jesus’ incarnation as the very revelation of God’s love. 

The first reading presents an interesting context. King Ahaz of Judah was caught up in a predicament. Ephraim and Syria were attacking Jerusalem and trying to overthrow the king. However, God sent Prophet Isaiah to Ahaz, assuring him that his enemies would be destroyed and that he would be successful. When God wanted Ahaz to ask for a sign, the king pretended that he would not ‘test the Lord.’ Though he appeared to be making a pious excuse, such outward ‘piety’ failed to reflect his internal disposition, which was about keeping safe his political alliance with Assyria. The pact he already made with Assyria for protection from Syria and Ephraim deterred him from asking for a sign from the Lord. There are two points that deserve our attention. At first, Ahaz’s refusal to ask for a sign already reveals his deep-seated unbelief and idolatry. By turning to Assyria for protection, he already turned to mortal beings, foreign powers, and pagan Gods. Hence, his refusal only shows that he did not trust God. Secondly, asking for a sign would have meant acknowledging God’s power, which he wanted to avoid because of his faithfulness to Assyria rather than to God. King Ahaz turned down God’s genuine offer of love.

The second reading highlights Paul’s rationale to be an apostle of Christ. Paul considered himself the carrier of the Good News of Jesus Christ to all – Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul teaches that when this Good News of grace is received in faith and obedience, it results in their salvation. Here, Paul makes it clear that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises. The birth of the long-awaited Messiah is the supreme declaration of God’s love for the entire humanity because the salvation Jesus brings about will be all-inclusive. Secondly, just as the incarnation of Jesus reflects the sacrificial love of God, Christ’s resurrection becomes the foundation for Christian hope and joy. The love of God, made personal in Christ, will unite humanity as a community of redeemed people. Humanity’s redemption takes shape in the incarnation of Christ who is the personification of God’s love. 

The central message of the Gospel is ‘God with us’ (Immanuel). God’s redemptive love comes in the form of a ‘Person’ called ‘Jesus Christ,’ thus making it more personal and relational. How can we forget that Christmas declares God’s love and nearness in the form of His only begotten Son? Christ’s incarnation is proof that God is personally involved in the salvation of humanity, so much so that he disowns his throne to be with and among His people. Hence, ‘Immanuel’ means that God is not some abstract idea for us. Instead, God’s love takes the form of flesh and blood to partake of our joys and sorrows in a very personal manner. The fact that God has become one with us in everything is not only a source of joy but also the very foundation of God’s selfless love for humanity. There is nothing more strengthening than God’s loving nearness. 

The readings of the day offer profound insights. 

1. Do we rely on humans or God? We may experience true love only when we turn to the Lord in faith without overly relying on human agents. God’s love is not just redeeming but invigorating too. 

2. The love of Christ transforms lives. Christians are called to radiate the same love. God’s love is so contagious that we cannot help but share it with others. Have others ever witnessed the transforming Christian love in us? 

3. The birth of Jesus – God coming in person – is a profound declaration that God is love and love only. The privilege of cherishing God’s love becomes a sweet task of sharing it with others. The self-giving love of God should be passed around selflessly.

Let us pray that we may become the carriers of God’s love at this Christmas.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar