Daily Readings - Sun Dec 22 2019
Isaiah
10Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,11Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.13And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Romans
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto 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.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through a narrative of faith, prophecy, and fulfillment, centered on the birth of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Isaiah presents a pivotal moment when King Ahaz is offered a sign by God, culminating in the prophecy of a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Matthew, where Joseph, faced with Mary's miraculous pregnancy, is assured by an angel that the child is of the Holy Spirit. The second reading from Romans bridges these narratives, outlining Paul's mission to spread the Gospel, rooted in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ.
The context of these readings is deeply rooted in the historical and theological landscape of their times. Isaiah's prophecy was spoken during a period of crisis for Judah, offering a beacon of hope. Paul's epistle to the Romans serves as an introduction to the broader mission of Christianity, linking the life of Jesus to the promises of the Hebrew Scriptures. Matthew's account of Joseph's experience provides a human dimension to the divine plan, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience.
These readings interweave to illustrate God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Isaiah's prophecy, fulfilled in Matthew, underscores God's reliability across generations. Paul's letter in Romans ties this fulfillment to the universal mission of salvation through Jesus Christ. The story of Joseph and Mary invites us to reflect on our own trust in God's plan, especially in uncertain times. Just as Joseph trusted beyond human understanding, we are called to embrace God's will, even when it challenges our comprehension.
In our daily lives, this narrative encourages us to trust in God's providence. Like Joseph, we may face unexpected circumstances, but it is through faith and obedience that we find peace. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. This trust leads us to a deeper understanding of His presence in our lives, much like the promise of Immanuel—God with us.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace the lesson of trust and obedience. May we, like Joseph, find the courage to follow God's will, knowing that His promises are always fulfilled in His time. In doing so, we experience the peace and fulfillment that come from trusting in God's plan, a plan that brings light and hope into our lives.