Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Theme: "The Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ"
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this: When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. 19. And Joseph her husband, being a good man and not willing to slander her, purposed to put her away privately. 20. And while he was thinking on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost: 21. And she shall bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. All this happened, that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24. And Joseph arose, and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took his wife unto him. 25. But he knew her not until she had borne a son, and he called his name Jesus.
Let us remember:
The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is an unusual birth because it is a divine providence, a gift from heaven. This birth is a blessing from God for humanity. It is the way chosen by God for the redemption of humanity. Today, we have seen the advancement of technology to the point of inventing test-tube babies, but in the case of Jesus, it is an experience never equaled until now. Jesus came from a gestation without human contact. This is similar to what is called today in vitro fertilization without micromanipulation, also called conventional IVF. God is therefore the father of this intelligence but unlike it, there was no male seed made available. Joseph was so humiliated to know that people would call him a fornicator that he decided to break up in silence in order to keep his dignity and that of Mary. However, when God begins a work, he completes it because he is the God of finished works. This is how he came to speak to Joseph in a dream to give him the conduct to follow. Note that Joseph and Mary were obedient from start to finish. They did everything that God recommended to them; they did not hesitate to do it. God did not want to leave any burden on the couple because the child Jesus was to carry all of his divine nature. Even the name should not come from the couple. God had even already revealed to the parents the divine and messianic nature of the child. He revealed his mission to them before his birth. Out of respect for God, Joseph did not know Mary until the birth. It is in obedience to God that we will receive Jesus. Excellent Wednesday. Amen
Alain Louz.-
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