Reading the story of Jesus’ birth outside of the “Christmas season” can be really helpful. As much as its familiarity resonates with us in December with all else that comes in that season is good and all (really), the story is meant to shape well beyond family and ecclesial tradition. As you read it today, try and separate it a bit.
Why was Jesus born a human?
Who is Mary? Who is Joseph?
What is the context of his birth?
What is it for an angel to visit Joseph?
Or, just read it as it is and let the story settle in you.
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:
Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
And they will call him, Emmanuel.
(Emmanuel means “God with us.”)
When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus.
Prayer
God,
Thanks for being with us. I confess I don’t always think about your with-ness with us all the time. But when I do, I am comforted. And challenged. But mostly comforted.
Ima going to assume your with-ness is not just a gift but a call and an example. Make me put my phone down, look up from my computer, turn off the radio, lay down the book, and snap out of the day dream. Help me to see myself, people, the trees, the moment.
Challenge me to with-ness, as you did in sending Jesus into the world. So send me.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.