In my house, the family tradition is to put up the Christmas tree and all the decorations while watching a Christmas movie. This year I chose one of my favourite Christmas films, Love Actually. The film captures the complexities of nine human relationships and the emotion that connects them all—love. There are many moments that make me smile throughout the movie; however, I am not sure whether a lobster truly has a place in the nativity!

Today we continue with our Advent theme of Gifted on this fourth Sunday in Advent. This week’s focus is With Love from God. As we pause from the busyness of Christmas preparations—the trees, the lights, and the joyful traditions—we are invited to look more deeply at the story through the eyes of Joseph in Matthew’s Gospel chapter 1 verses 18-25.

Joseph’s journey reminds us that God’s gift of love often comes in unexpected ways. Faced with uncertainty, he chose trust and faithfulness, embracing the role God had given him. In his quiet strength and devotion, we see how love is not only a feeling but also an act of courage and commitment.

Matthew’s narrative speaks of Joseph’s character—a righteous man who did not want to disgrace Mary and had therefore planned to divorce her quietly (verse 19). Yet God had other plans for him, as is so often the case. It is not surprising that the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a natural response to the unexpected,
and the angel’s message about Jesus’s conception—that he would come to save and to fulfil what was written—must have been overwhelming to hear.
Joseph’s story reminds us that God’s gift of love often arrives in ways that challenge our expectations. He was asked to trust beyond what seemed reasonable, to embrace a future that was uncertain, and to step into a role that carried both risk and responsibility. His obedience was not passive; it was an act of courage rooted in faith.

In Joseph we see love expressed not through grand gestures, but through quiet faithfulness. He chose to protect Mary, to nurture the child, and to walk a path that required humility and strength. His example teaches us that love is not only about emotion—it is about commitment, sacrifice, and trust in God’s promises.

The angel revealed that the child would be given two names. He would be called Jesus, which means “God saves,” pointing to forgiveness and healing. He would also be called Emmanuel, “God with us,” a name that assures us of God’s presence in every circumstance. Together, these names declare the fullness of God’s gift: salvation and companionship, healing and presence, love and hope.

As we continue in Advent, Joseph’s response invites us to consider our own fears and uncertainties. Where is God asking us to trust? How might we embody love and share it with others? It could be through a word written in a Christmas card or on a gift tag, or by making time to call or visit someone who is in need of God’s love. It may also be by taking time in the coming week to wonder anew at Jesus.

By pausing in our Christmas preparations, we are reminded that the heart of the season is not simply celebration, but the recognition of God’s greatest gift: love made flesh in Jesus Christ.  Amen