Universal Utterings

for December 18, 2025

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12-18-2025 Matthew 1 v1825 Which Means God Is With Us

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The Gospel of Matthew Ch 1 Verse 18 Thru 25

18 Now 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. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

In Matthew 1:18-25, we encounter the remarkable story of St. Joseph, who was confronted with an extraordinary challenge. When he learned that Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, he faced a moral dilemma. Rather than act rashly, Joseph responded with compassion, deciding to protect Mary from public disgrace.

However, it was in a dream that God spoke to him, asking him to take Mary and the child, Jesus, into his home. St. Joseph exemplified obedience when he awoke and immediately followed God’s instructions — an act that would ultimately safeguard the incarnation of Emmanuel, God with us.

This passage reminds us of the importance of listening for God’s voice, whether it comes in dreams, whispers in our hearts, or through the words of others. We, too, face daily choices that require us to lean into faith rather than fear. Like St. Joseph, when we hear God’s call, it is vital to act with courage and trust, regardless of societal expectations or personal doubts.

St. Joseph's obedience ensured the protection of Jesus during his formative years, allowing him to fulfill his divine mission on Earth. This narrative challenges us to examine our response to God’s guidance in our lives. Are we attuned to His whispers? Are we willing to act despite uncertainties?

As we ponder this scripture, let us remember that our willingness to listen and follow God’s call can have profound implications, just as it did for Joseph. May we strive to emulate his faithfulness in our own lives, safeguarding the presence of God in our hearts. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

12-18-2025 Matthew 1 v1825

**Which Means God Is With Us**

In a quiet town, under starlit skies,

A story unfolds, where hope never dies.

Joseph, a just man, with a heart full of grace,

Faced a daunting dream, in a world out of place.

Mary, his betrothed, with love in her eyes,

Carried a secret, a wondrous surprise.

Conceiving a child, by the Spirit's decree,

God’s plan for salvation, so deep and so free.

An angel appeared, with a message divine,

"Fear not, Joseph dear, for the child is a sign.

In the nights of your doubt, let your heart take its flight,

For she will bear Jesus, the bringer of Light."

He pondered the words, weighing each gentle thought,

A path full of courage, though the future seemed fraught.

Embracing the calling, he took Mary’s hand,

In belief forged by love, they would walk as He planned.

The child born of faith, wrapped in humble cloth,

A name full of promise, Emmanuel, the Light for the lost.

“God with us” made flesh, a gift to the world,

In the heart of a manger, redemption unfurled.

So let us remember this tale through the years,

Of faith overcoming, of hope conquering fears.

For in love's tender dance, and in dreams that we share,

We find the divine in the ordinary air. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

December 18, 2025 @ 04:43 AM EST

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