Emmanuel: God with us

4th Sunday of Advent - December 18, 2022

Readings:  Isaiah 7:10–14; Psalm 24:1–6; Romans 1:1–7; Matthew 1:18–24

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/P7b6c80w1Qg

The fourth Sunday of Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. As we near the end of the Advent season, we can take stock of how we have been preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. This may include examining our relationship with God and with others, and considering how we can be more open and receptive to the love and grace that Christ offers. It can also be a time to reflect on the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and to see how they have been fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we can also reflect on the significance of this event for our own lives, and consider how we can allow Christ to be born anew in us.

1. An act of faith translated into obedience 

Matthew 1:18-24 is the story of the virgin birth of Jesus. In this passage, we see that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they could be married, she was found to be pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man, did not want to disgrace Mary publicly, so he planned to divorce her quietly. According to the laws and customs of the time, this would have brought disgrace upon Mary and Joseph. But instead of reacting in fear or anger, Joseph chose to trust in God and to follow the instructions given to him by the angel. But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel also told Joseph that the child would be named Jesus and would be the savior of his people, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

This passage highlights the importance of faith and obedience. Joseph was faced with a difficult situation, but he trusted in God and followed the guidance of the angel, even though it may have seemed strange or unlikely. This act of faith and obedience allowed for the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of humanity through the birth of Jesus. It also shows the power of the Holy Spirit, who was able to accomplish something that was humanly impossible, and the fulfillment of God's promises through the coming of the Messiah. This passage also reminds us of the significance of Jesus' birth and the role that he plays in our salvation. In fact, it serves as an example for us, reminding us of the importance of having faith and being willing to obey God, even when faced with challenges or uncertainty.

2. Emmanuel - being and living in faith, hope, and love

As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we must remember that this is not just a time of celebration and joy, but also a time of spiritual and practical preparation. We must take stock of our lives and examine our hearts to see if we are truly ready to receive the gift of salvation that Christ offers to us.  One way to do this is by taking a moment to reflect on the virtues of faith, hope, and love, which are the three pillars of our Advent journey. As we strive to cultivate these virtues within ourselves, we can draw closer to Christ and be better prepared to receive him when he comes.

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. It is through faith that we believe in his promises and trust in his love and grace. As we grow in faith, we are able to overcome the doubts and fears that can hold us back from fully embracing Christ and his teachings. Hope is the light that guides us on our journey toward Christ. Love is the heart of our relationship with Christ. It is through love that we are able to show compassion and kindness to others and to share the love of Christ with those around us. As we grow in love, we become more like Christ, the Emmanuel, and are able to reflect his love and grace to the world.

3. Advent season, a reminder of the centrality of Jesus in the Christian faith

In Romans 1:1-7, Paul introduces himself and his letter to the Church in Rome. He begins by stating that he is a servant of Jesus Christ and that he has been called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. He then explains that this gospel has been promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Paul goes on to say that this gospel is about the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was descended from David according to the flesh, but who was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead. Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the object of the Gospel and that it is through faith in Jesus that people are justified.

As we read these verses during the Advent season, we can be reminded of the centrality of Jesus in the Christian faith. We can also reflect on the fact that the gospel has been promised and foretold throughout the Old Testament, and that it is through faith in Jesus that we are made right with God. Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth, and these verses remind us of the significance of his life, death, and resurrection for our salvation. This may involve examining our relationship with God and with others, and considering ways that we can be more open and receptive to the love and grace of Christ. Thus we can allow Christ to be born anew in us, and to consider what it means to follow him and live in his light. 

Questions for reflections:

1. How is God inviting me to be part of His Salvation?
2. What are the ways and means I am preparing to receive Jesus at Christmas?
3. What does “Emmanuel” mean to me? Does this help me to follow the life of Jesus? 

Prayer:

Holy Lord, as we await for the dawn that will arise with the coming of the Christ child, we do so with anticipation of new and unexpected challenges. Like Mary, we sense the birth pangs of a new era, a new kingdom waiting to be born. Grant that we, like Mary, be filled with courage and openness to bear the Christ-child, by receiving and bringing forth the Good News. Let us be witnesses to your truth and justice, as we walk along the path of peace, as we are strengthened in our love for Christ and our fellow man and woman. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

16 December 2022