Gospel

Matthew 1:18-23

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 be with child and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means "God is with us.”

Reflection

It's impossible to understand fully what this moment in history meant. In a way God has always been, since the call of Abraham, with his people. The ark went with him on their journey. But this new God is with us is more than just a God being near, it's about a God entering into our very being. The Holy Spirit that created Jesus is the same Holy Spirit that is given to us.

He dwells in our hearts, he enables us to become like Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Father, awaken us to the fullness of what it means that you are within us. There's a reason for this, because without you, without your insight, your wisdom, your power flowing through us, we cannot be your apostles. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices