Pope St John Paul II highlighted how St Matthew’s Gospel describes Joseph as a “just” man and stated that this ‘emphasises his unreserved devotion to fulfilling God’s will.’ Under Jewish laws at the time, Joseph was permitted to divorce Mary and subject her to the full weight of the law, which could have meant she would have been stoned. Joseph put aside his own feelings and instead was willing to divorce Mary quietly. This was until God’s angel spoke to him in a dream.

Joseph, as well as being ‘just’ was a man of faith. He had faith in God and faith in Mary, his betrothed. A betrothal, in the days of Mary and Joseph was similar to what we know as engagement, except that it was legally binding. There was a strict ceremony, with the signing of legally binding contracts, exchanges of gifts, agreement on a dowry and the setting of a date for marriage, which was usually around a year after the betrothal. The bride and groom would then be known as husband and wife but would not stay together nor have any conjugal relations. The bride would stay with her parents, and the husband would start to prepare the marital home to get it ready for them to move in together after the wedding. A betrothal could only be broken by divorce or death.

Thankfully, for our Salvation, Joseph listened to the angel and accepted that all Mary said had happened was true, and so he became the foster father of Jesus.

In the second reading today, St Paul emphasises that Jesus is true God and true man. He is not a man who became a god; as per some of the Roman and Greek traditions. He is fully man and fully God. His humanity can be traced through the lineage of Joseph, placing Him into the House of David. His divinity is found by the fulfilment of the prophesy of Isaiah ‘the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,’ which we hear in our first reading today.

Today’s Gospel also tells us how the virgin conceived; by the Holy Spirit; the third person of the Trinity, the breath of God, the same breath which created the world.

St Joseph is a model for all men. He protected his family, he listened for the word of God, he was faithful despite some extraordinary circumstances and he trusted in God. When the angel told him, ‘do not fear to take Mary as your wife,’ he overcame his fears and trusted.

As we approach Christmas day, I pray that we can journey in our faith in the same way that  Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. He was steadfast, he knew he had to get there, he travelled with Mary and Jesus close by his side and he didn’t allow a personal set back to get in the way.

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Fourth Sunday of Advent

CCC 496-507, 495: Mary’s virginal motherhood
CCC 437, 456, 484-486, 721-726: Mary the Mother of Christ by the Holy Spirit
CCC 1846: Jesus as Saviour revealed to Joseph
CCC 445, 648, 695: Christ the Son of God in his Resurrection
CCC 143-149, 494, 2087: the “obedience of faith”[1]

Joseph’s Response to Mary’s Pregnancy – by John Haughom

Joseph, Betrothed “Just Man,” Husband of Mary – Oblates of St. Joseph

Joseph A Just Man – His Reaction To Mary’s Pregnancy

The betrothal of Mary and Joseph – The Catholic Leader

Please remember in your prayers

  • All those who are sick, either at home or in hospital, especially those who have very few or no visitors.
  • Those who have died and those who grieve for them.
  • All people affected by war and terrorism and that international treaties for the protection of non-combatants and civilians are respected and adhered to.
  • All those attending the RCIA programmes and especially our Advent session this weekend.
  • Those attending the Youth Alpha programme which is a prerequisite for the Confirmation programme in our Pastoral Area.
  • The success of the Pastoral Area Mission Plan.

Deacon Tony

20th December 2025.

[1] Homiletic Directory, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments