Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 18, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 3rd of Advent

Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25

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." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from the Gospel of Matthew recounts the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. It follows the genealogy of Jesus which reminds us of the LORD’s presence to the Israelites throughout each generation. Today’s text reveals an active LORD, who sends His own Son to “save his people from their sins.” It also reveals the response of Joseph, his cooperation with the LORD’s divine will.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize the power and presence of the all-loving LORD at work in my life, in my world, in me? How cooperative am I with the LORD’s will, guidance and grace?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to humanity, to take on our human nature, to dwell among us, to reveal your great love for us, and to selflessly offer himself as atonement for our sins upon the cross of Calvary. As we prepare to celebrate this gift to us, to our world, send your Spirit to stir within us both the recognition of your power and presence still at work in our world, in us, and the grace of discernment of your will for us. May our love for You and for your beloved Son temper our selfishness and open our minds and hearts to your gift of loving presence in us, with us, and through us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.