The Birth of Jesus
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Mt 1:18-25
18This
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. 19Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20Such
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. 21She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22All 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.” 24When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
Reflection:
He was a righteous man.
This is how Joseph is described. Why? The law of Moses calls for the
stoning “of a young woman who is brought to her husband’s house and
found not to be a virgin” (Dt 22:20-21).
His
betrothed Mary is found to be with child. In order not to expose her to
public disgrace or scandal and possible death, Joseph wishes to divorce
her quietly.
God
sends his angel in a dream to clarify things with Joseph and reveal the
divine plan. Being a righteous person, he does not doubt the message of
the angel or question the intentions of God. He obeys and places
himself at the service of Mary and Jesus.
God
has entrusted us with a mission. He has assigned specific tasks to us
according to our capacities. God believes in our ability. Besides, God
gives us the necessary graces so that we can fulfill God’s will for us.
God
tells us, “Don’t be afraid!” We need not fear accepting new
responsibilities, taking a stand for God, and carrying our cross.
If God walks with us, whom shall we fear?
If we remain with God,
how can we possibly miss our way to heaven?
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