In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Matthew's Gospel narrative. Matthew chooses to begin his story of the incarnation (which actually starts in Matt 1.18) with an intertextually loaded opening section (Matt 1.1–17). As we reflect upon Messianic expectation during the season of Advent, the beginning of Matthew's Gospel provides important resources for us as we reflect on the biblical-theological themes that inform the Christmas story.