Daily Readings - Sun Dec 22 2019
Isaiah
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz,11"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."12But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test."13Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Romans
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,4and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name 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"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as 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.