And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.

As we draw closer to Christmas, today’s readings invite us to contemplate one of the most consoling and transformative truths of our faith: God is with us as a living presence that enters our fragile human history. In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, the people of Israel are living with the wounds of exile, loss, and broken leadership. Into this wounded reality, God makes a promise: “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” This new king will not rule by force or fear, but with justice, wisdom, and fidelity. His very name will be “The Lord our justice.” Jeremiah’s prophecy is not simply about political restoration; it is about God’s faithfulness. Even when the people are scattered, disoriented, and unsure of the future, God remains committed to them. The Lord will gather them, bring them home, and restore their dignity. This promise finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Matthew, but in a surprising and humble way. God’s saving plan unfolds not in a palace, but in the quiet turmoil of Joseph’s heart. Joseph is described as a righteous man—faithful to the law, yet deeply compassionate. Faced with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, he chooses mercy over judgment, silence over scandal. In this moment of confusion and fear, God speaks to Joseph in a dream: “Do not be afraid.” These words open the door for God’s presence to take flesh in the world. Joseph’s obedience becomes the human space in which Emmanuel is welcomed. By taking Mary into his home and naming the child Jesus, Joseph accepts his role in God’s saving plan. He does not fully understand, but he trusts. In doing so, he teaches us that God-with-us often enters our lives through uncertainty, disruption, and unexpected responsibility. The name Emmanuel—God is with us—is not just a title for Jesus; it is a declaration of how God chooses to act. God is with us in our doubts, our fears, our family struggles, our quiet sacrifices, and our hidden faithfulness. God is with us when life does not unfold as planned, when obedience requires courage, and when love demands trust. As we approach Christmas, Advent asks us not only to wait, but to make room. Like Joseph, we are invited to welcome God’s presence into the ordinary spaces of our lives. Emmanuel is already among us—walking with us, saving us, and gently leading us home. May we, too, rise from our sleep, trust God’s word, and allow God-with-us to dwell fully within us.