December 21 — Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent
The Gospel proclaims: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Through Joseph, we hear God's voice calling us — as protectors, parents, and companions — to care for all entrusted to us: families of origin, of choice, and beyond.
In Mary, we honor all who have carried life or tenderly nurtured — and all mothers separated from children by loss, circumstance, or injustice. We name the burdens that make these journeys harder for some, especially BIPOC women facing disproportionate maternal health risks.
Cole Arthur Riley writes, "From the cosmos to the womb, darkness has always been a site of creativity and liberation."
In the sacred darkness, where God was and continues to be with us — quietly bearing the divine, holding space for grief, joy, and new life — our hope deepens. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, we remember holy families still seeking refuge from human-made persecution, trusting God is with and for them. May we hear the call to stand with them in solidarity and courage.
John-Paul "P" Ramírez
Mission Integration Leader
Providence St. Joseph Health
Pause
Where do you notice God's presence in the hidden, quiet, or difficult places of life?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.