DECEMBER 21, 2025

There was a time when Joseph felt blessed to tell his family and friends that the most beautiful, lovely, sensible, and virtuous young woman in Nazareth was going to be his wife! Joseph, full of love, would walk with his betrothed through the streets, his neighbors staring at them in awe; Mary and Joseph, radiant and brimming with joy! And now, poor Joseph! We hear, in today’s Gospel, news that must have brought agony to his heart. He loved so much! And his beloved, Mary, that wonderful woman who accepted his hand in marriage, had such distressing news!

Imagine the pain in Joseph’s heart at the news that Mary was expecting — and it was not his Son! So much of this journey was a mystery for Joseph. Initially, God hadn’t told Joseph that the son of Mary was to be his Son! There were so many “ups” and “downs” in Joseph’s heart. Yet, God consoled Joseph through the visit of an angel. Joseph was virtuous and accepted the message of God’s angel — and he lived devoutly for this Child born of the Virgin. Joseph was created for Mary — and for Jesus.

In time, the child in the womb of his betrothed would call him “dad” and hold his hand. Jesus would cry on Joseph’s shoulder, kiss his face, and hug his neck. Jesus would live with Joseph, sing with him, work with him, laugh with him, play with him, pray with him!

Joseph was distressed, yet he loved and trusted in God. In time, Joseph would receive the great reward of one who has trust in God. The Son of God would call him “dad.” Joseph was loved by God. Joseph should be loved by us too.

As we prepare for Christmas, may we welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes with the same trust as St. Joseph. Inspired by Joseph, may we too hold the hand of Jesus. May we let Jesus cry on our shoulder, kiss our face, hug our neck! And may we cry on His shoulder, kiss His face, and throw our arms around His neck! May we — like Joseph — live with Jesus, sing with Him, work with Him, laugh with Him, play with Him, and pray with Him!

At Christmas, the world longs to peer into the lives of the Holy Family of Nazareth — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As beautiful as that glimpse may seem — the greater gift at Christmas is that the Holy Family longs to peer into our family and become one with us. This Christmas, and throughout our lives, may we open our homes and hearts to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

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Over the coming days, as we celebrate Christmas, I am overjoyed at the gift God has given me of being your pastor. On behalf of Fr. Wayne, our parish deacons, and parish staff — Merry Christmas!

God bless you and keep you! And, as always, oremus pro invicem!

Fr. Ryan P. Brady
Pastor of St. Christina Parish