Making Room for God

December 21, 2025 – Fourth Sunday of Advent, Sixth Day of Misa de Aguinaldo

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm)

A few days before Christmas, a family started to rearrange their house. Old things were taken out and furniture were moved. Some members of the family complained, some get tired, but everyone knew why those things had to be done. A visitor was coming. A loved one will arrive soon from abroad. And because that person mattered, the house must make space. Well, it was not perfect, but it was prepared with love. And this simple act of making room helps us understand what this Misa de Aguinaldo on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, is really asking of us.

All the readings we have today lead us to one clear invitation and that is… God chooses to come close to us, and we are called to make room for Him. So let us explore our readings and realize how the Lord invites us today.

In the first reading from Isaiah, the people were anxious and uncertain about their future. They were surrounded by fear and threats from their neighboring nations. In that situation, God spoke of a child who will be born, one who will be called Emmanuel, the “God-with-us.” This is not just a promise for later. It is a reminder that God does not wait for calm days before coming. The Lord enters our history when people are afraid, confused, and unsure. Indeed, God chooses closeness and chooses to be present.

This speaks deeply to us as Filipinos. Many of us live with daily worries. We worry about work, about money, and about sickness. Parents worry about the future of their children and children worry about their aging and sick parents. Our communities also worry about peace. From our worries, our prayers are being formed. And so, sometimes our prayer is not long or beautiful. It is simply as saying, “Lord, be with us.” And today, God answers that prayer. The Lord comes, not from a distance, but into our very situation.

The Responsorial psalm which is the same as yesterday, continues this message but adds a gentle challenge. It asks us again, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord?” It is those with clean hands and pure hearts. Thus, to make room for God is not only about words or rituals. It is about the way we live. It is about honesty in our work, faithfulness in our relationships, humility in our success, and compassion for those who are struggling. Advent reminds us that welcoming God also means allowing Him to change us, to transform our hearts into his likeness.

Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, brings us deeper into this mystery. He speaks of Jesus as truly human, born into our history, and at the same time the Son of God who brings grace and peace. Grace always comes first. Before we do anything for God, He already comes to us. But Paul also speaks of the obedience of faith. Faith is not only believing certain truths. It is trusting God enough to follow Him, even when the path is not clear.

This obedience of faith becomes very concrete in the Gospel through Saint Joseph. Joseph was an ordinary man with ordinary plans. Yet, when he discovered that Mary was pregnant, his world was shaken. He felt pain, confusion, and fear. Like many of us, he tried to solve the problem quietly. But when God spoke to him, Joseph listened. He took Mary into his home. He accepted the child and allowed his plans to change. And so his life was also transformed.

Joseph taught us something very important today that making room for God often means allowing God to disturb our comfort. Joseph did not understand everything, but he trusted and he acted. His obedience created space for the Savior to enter the world.

This is where the Gospel touches our own lives. We may attend all the Misa de Aguinaldo completing the 9 days, sing the carols, and prepare the food for our Noche Buena as well as Christmas Parties, but the deeper question remains: Is there room for God in our hearts? Is there space for Him in our decisions, our habits, our priorities?

For some, making room for God may mean letting go of a long-held anger and hatred. For others, it may mean choosing honesty when no one is watching. For families, it may mean listening to one another again, sitting together, healing what has been broken. For the young, it may mean choosing what is right over what is easy. For leaders and workers, it may mean serving with integrity and compassion.

As Christmas draws near, God does not ask for a perfect home or a perfect heart. The Lord asks for an open one. Like Joseph, we are invited to trust. Like the psalm reminds us, we are invited to live with sincerity. Like Paul teaches, we are invited to obey in faith. And like Isaiah promises, we are reminded that God truly desires to be with us.

And so, as we continue this Misa de Aguinaldo and move closer to Christmas, let us remember two simple invitations for today.

First, each day, make one small space for God by choosing honesty, forgiveness, or kindness where it is most difficult.

Second, like Joseph, learn to trust God enough to let Him change your plans, believing that His way will always lead to life. Hinaut pa.