
A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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.
REFLECTION: When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Day 18 of Advent
Our Lord is coming to visit us. Christmas is next week.
Joseph and Mary belonged to the house of David. Joseph was the legal father of Jesus. He carried the duties of a true father, caring for Jesus and giving Him his last name. This was in accordance with the instructions given him by the angel, that he would call him, "Emmanuel".
Jesus was born defenseless and in need of a father to teach, protect and nourish Him.
Joseph had a specific vocation from God. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and therefore helped him understand the Virgin with child. Joseph fully accepted his vocation. He was to be the head of the Holy Family. He faithfully carried out the will of God.
Let's be quiet, unnoticed and stand by the side of Joseph who will soon be holding his Son, Jesus. Joseph treats us as his children. He was and still is deeply in love with Mary and he will guide us to her as well as to Jesus. Let's pray, as we continue to prepare for Christmas, that we move forward in faith and have the grace to do so.
God Bless You