FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 21, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/fourth-sunday-of-advent/
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 6 | Pray the Christmas Novena for 9 consecutive days, from Tuesday, December 16th. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the “O Antiphons,” of Advent | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 21, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH | DECEMBER 21ST | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Peter Canisius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-21st/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 21, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-21-2025/
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church draws us to the quiet mystery of God-with-us, as we stand on the threshold of Christ’s birth. Today’s readings invite us to trust in God’s promises, revealed in the prophecy of Emmanuel, fulfilled through the obedience of Saint Joseph, and proclaimed to the world through the Gospel of salvation. As we also remember Saint Peter Canisius, a tireless teacher and defender of the faith, we are reminded that preparing room for Christ requires both humble surrender and courageous witness. In this sacred moment of waiting, may our hearts be made ready to welcome the Savior who comes to dwell among His people. 🙏🏽
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
Advent is the sacred four-week season that opens the Church’s Liturgical Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.
As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.
As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, during this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾
ADVENT PRAYER – FOURTH WEEK PRAYER: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the fourth week. After the prayer, the father lights all four candles.
LEADER: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.🙏🏾
(The four candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the fourth week.)
After the fourth week, the penitential season of Advent is over and the time to rejoice is at hand. The Advent wreath is transformed into a Christmas wreath. Ribbon and candles are replaced with red ribbon and long red or white tapers (to be lighted at breakfast on Christmas morning) and, if desired, other festive decorations can be added.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Fourth Sunday of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 21, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 7:10–14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1–2, 3–4, 5–6
Reading 2: Romans 1:1–7
Gospel: Matthew 1:18–24
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 1:18–24
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home… She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Today’s Gospel invites us into the quiet faith and courageous obedience of Saint Joseph. Faced with a situation that deeply troubled him and challenged his understanding, Joseph chose mercy over judgment and compassion over self-interest. His initial decision to quietly separate from Mary reveals a heart rooted in righteousness and love. When God spoke to him through the angel, Joseph listened and obeyed without hesitation, embracing a mission that would forever change his life.
Joseph’s response reminds us that faith is often lived in silence and trust. He did not fully grasp how God’s plan would unfold, yet he accepted his role as guardian of Mary and foster father of Jesus. By naming the child Jesus, Joseph formally accepted his responsibility in God’s saving plan. His obedience allowed Emmanuel—God with us—to enter the world within the safety of a loving family.
The First Reading from Isaiah proclaims God’s promise of a sign: a virgin shall conceive and bear a son called Emmanuel. This prophecy, spoken during a time of fear and uncertainty, finds its fulfillment in today’s Gospel. God does not abandon His people; instead, He draws near, choosing humility and hiddenness to bring salvation. Advent assures us that God remains faithful even when human hearts hesitate.
The Responsorial Psalm calls us to prepare a place for the King of Glory. Only hearts that are sincere, humble, and open can truly welcome Him. Joseph embodies this readiness. His life teaches us that holiness is often found in quiet faithfulness, daily obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s promises.
Saint Paul’s words in the Second Reading deepen this mystery by reminding us that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine—descended from David according to the flesh, yet established as Son of God in power. Through Him, we receive grace and are called to the obedience of faith. Like Joseph, we are invited to trust God’s word and allow our lives to be shaped by His call.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, as we stand at the threshold of Christmas, we are invited to reflect on our own response to God’s presence. Are we willing to trust when we do not understand? Are we open to God working through unexpected paths? Like Joseph, may we rise from our doubts and act in faith. May God in His infinite grace and mercy grant us the grace to welcome Emmanuel into our lives, our families, and our hearts, trusting that God is truly with us now and always. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You revealed Your saving plan through the obedience and trust of Saint Joseph. Grant us hearts that listen attentively to Your voice and the courage to follow Your will, even when it leads us beyond our understanding. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, help us welcome Emmanuel with faith, humility, and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 21ST: Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Patron of Germany, the Catholic Press, and Catechism Writers). A towering figure of the Catholic Reformation, Saint Peter Canisius devoted his life to defending and renewing the faith through preaching, education, and clear teaching of Catholic doctrine. His tireless missionary zeal, intellectual brilliance, and deep pastoral charity strengthened the Church during one of her most challenging periods. As we honor him today, we are reminded of the power of truth spoken with love and the enduring impact of faithful teaching rooted in Christ. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 21st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Peter Canisius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-21st/)
SAINT PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Saint Peter Canisius (1521–1597) was one of the most influential Jesuits of the 16th century and a central figure in the renewal of Catholic life in Central Europe. Born in Nijmegen, in present-day Netherlands, he was drawn early to a life of faith and reform. In 1543, after attending a retreat led by Blessed Peter Favre, one of the first companions of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Peter joined the Society of Jesus, becoming its eighth professed member. Gifted with extraordinary intellect and pastoral sensitivity, Saint Peter Canisius dedicated his life to teaching, preaching, and strengthening the faith of both clergy and laity. He played a key role at the Council of Trent as a theological adviser and later became the first provincial superior of the Jesuits in Germany. In this role, he founded and restored numerous colleges in cities such as Vienna, Prague, Munich, and Innsbruck, making education a cornerstone of Catholic renewal.
Saint Peter was a prolific writer, authoring catechisms, spiritual works, and theological texts that were widely used across Europe and translated into many languages. His catechisms, written with clarity and compassion, helped generations of Catholics understand and live their faith amid the challenges of the Reformation. Through his writings, correspondence, and personal witness, he supported bishops, advised emperors, counseled popes, and encouraged reform within the clergy. Despite immense responsibilities and frequent travel, Saint Peter remained a man of deep prayer, humility, and unwavering fidelity to the Church. He died peacefully on December 21, 1597, in Fribourg, Switzerland. In 1925, Pope Pius XI canonized him and proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his enduring contribution to Catholic theology, education, and evangelization.
PRAYER: O God, You endowed Saint Peter Canisius with holiness of life and wisdom of teaching for the defense and renewal of Your Church. Through his intercession, grant that all who seek the truth may joyfully find You, and that Your people may persevere in faithful witness to the Gospel. Strengthen teachers, catechists, and all who proclaim Your Word with courage and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Peter Canisius, Doctor of the Church – pray for us. 🙏🏾
SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we draw near to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we lift our hearts to God in humble trust. We pray for the Church, that, inspired by Saint Peter Canisius, she may faithfully teach and defend the truth of the Gospel with wisdom, charity, and courage. We pray for families and individuals struggling with uncertainty or fear, that like Saint Joseph, they may trust in God’s promises and respond generously to His will. We pray for leaders, educators, and catechists, that they may form hearts and minds rooted in faith, hope, and love. We also pray for the sick, the weary, and all who long for Emmanuel’s healing presence, that they may experience God’s nearness and saving grace.
LET US PRAY:
Saint Joseph, you were a holy and righteous man, entrusted with the guardianship of the Mother of God and the Son of God. You fulfilled your role faithfully and continue that role from Heaven, protecting all of God’s children through your intercession. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your obedience and will be protected from all sin so as to fulfill the unique role God has given me. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You are the faithful One who fulfills Your promises and dwells among Your people. As we await the coming of Emmanuel, strengthen our faith to trust Your plans even when they are beyond our understanding. Through the intercession of Saint Peter Canisius, grant us the grace to bear joyful witness to Your truth and to prepare our hearts worthily for the coming of Your Son. May Christ be formed anew within us, now and always. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Peter Canisius ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Sunday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/