This is how the birth of Jesus came about! Today I’d like you to imagine yourself in the scene of Matthew 1:18-24.

The birth of jesus

Now this 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 then 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.

wwyd?

Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. What do you feel when you find out your spouse is expecting a child that is not biologically yours? Do you feel angry, confused, betrayed, devastated? Are you willing to hear your spouse’s side of the story? Do you rush to judgment? Do you react on impulse and immediately decide it’s over, no questions asked?

take two

Two lessons from this Gospel today: First, acting on impulse stifles the Spirit. What do I mean by that? Often when we act impulsively, we’re not thinking straight. We’re not giving ourselves enough time to logically and intelligently act – to be guided by the Spirit. This Gospel reinforced the necessity of sitting with our issues and praying about them in order to discern God’s plan and intention for us.

What a great example we have in Joseph. He humbly accepted what was to be and actively participated in God’s plan for his life. Joseph said YES, as Mary did, even though it wasn’t what he desired or expected for himself. He was able to do this because he did not act on impulse.

Second, Joseph was “in tune” with the prompting of the Spirit. His knowledge of Scripture played an important role in his recognizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He knew that what was happening in his life, as difficult as it was, was ordained by God. How often do we consider Scripture when caught in a bind? Do we relate to Scripture as Joseph did?

o adonai

The church revisits this Gospel again this Sunday. There’s so much more I would like share but I’ll wait until then. For now, I’ll end with tonight’s O Antiphon:

O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain; come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.

God bless you!