This morning, my Advent calendar revealed an unexpected surprise—a tiny toy hammer. At first, I chuckled. A hammer? Is this a gentle reminder to finish that DIY project from last summer? It seems I’m always starting something that I don’t finish. I have piles of uncompleted projects all over my desk and room. Maybe this little hammer is God’s way of nudging me to get organized—not just with my clutter but with my priorities. After all, tools aren’t just for fixing things—they’re for building. And isn’t that what Advent calls us to do? To build up the Kingdom of God, to repair relationships, and to strengthen our lives of faith.

As I held the little hammer, I found myself wondering: What tools has God given me to serve others? And how well am I using them?


Today’s readings center on God as the ultimate builder and restorer. Jeremiah promises that the Lord will raise up a righteous leader, a shoot from the line of David, to bring justice and peace. In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear of Joseph, a carpenter, who uses his own “tools” of trust, obedience, and humility to embrace God’s plan for Mary and the unborn Jesus.

Both scriptures remind us that God’s work often begins in small, quiet ways. Like Joseph, we might not feel equipped for the tasks God gives us. But as today’s “O Antiphon” proclaims, Jesus is our Adonai—our Lord—who gives us strength and guidance. _“O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!”_ God doesn’t ask us to build alone; He provides everything we need to accomplish His will.


The toy hammer is a playful but profound reminder that we are all called to be builders in our faith. Advent, with its themes of preparation and hope, invites us to take inventory of our spiritual toolkit. Are we using the tools God has given us? Let’s consider a few:

• The Tool of Prayer: Prayer grounds us in God’s love and gives us the wisdom to act with charity and integrity. Like a compass, it keeps us aligned with His will.
• The Tool of Kindness: Small acts of kindness can mend the brokenness in our families, communities, and even our own hearts.
• The Tool of Courage: Joseph’s quiet courage allowed him to embrace God’s plan, even when it was difficult. How often do we let fear or doubt keep us from saying “yes” to God?
• The Tool of Humility: True service requires humility—an openness to let God work through us, just as He did through Joseph and Mary.

This third week of Advent emphasizes joy, a fruit of the Holy Spirit that comes from living a life rooted in love and service. True joy isn’t found in material possessions or personal accolades but in giving of ourselves for others. It’s in lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, or simply being present for someone in need.

The Responsorial Psalm today captures this beautifully: _“He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.”_ Our tools—our time, talents, and resources—become instruments of God’s justice and mercy when we use them to serve others.


As we journey closer to Christmas, let’s reflect on the tools in our spiritual toolbox. Are there gifts we’ve been neglecting? How can we better use them to prepare the way for Christ?

Today, I encourage you to take one small step: choose a tool to use in service. Maybe it’s the “hammer” of encouragement for someone feeling down, the “wrench” of reconciliation in a strained relationship, or the “tape measure” of self-reflection to see how well you’re living out your faith.


As we reflect on today’s toy tool, let’s remember that we are co-workers in God’s great building project. He is the master builder, and we are His apprentices, called to use the tools He provides to build a world of justice, love, and peace. Like Joseph, may we trust that even our smallest efforts, when placed in God’s hands, can help create something beautiful.

So, what tool will you pick up today? Let’s get to work—there’s joy to be found in every swing of the hammer. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally finish that DIY project too.