4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

THE "EMMANUEL PROJECT"

In few days, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today’s readings present the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. In the Gospel passage, we see how the project of God, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, is accomplished. It was God who took the initiative. This initiative is indeed exceptional and incomprehensible to us, a project of infinite love: the Virgin Mary was to conceive a son, who will be called Emmanuel, God-is-with-us. Christmas is indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises; it is God coming to dwell among his people.

Moreover, the readings make it clear that the Son of Mary is not the son of Joseph but the Son of God. Nonetheless, the role of Joseph is very important in the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. By his unconditional obedience to the will of God, he cooperated in discretion, silence and obedient faith to the realization of God’s saving project. 

By his “Yes”, Joseph, a descendent of David, will become the foster-father of Jesus the Messiah. In the Second reading, Paul affirms that he is preaching the Gospel concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, who was descended from David according to the flesh, and established as Son of God in power according to the Holy Spirit. As such, God’s saving plan comes through thanks to the “yes” of both Mary and Joseph.

Like Mary and Joseph, we may have our own projects and plans. But we must know that God has a bigger project, a bigger plan, for our lives. As such, sometimes we need to let go our own plans even when it seems unjust and unreasonable. Let each of us say a free, unconditional and courageous 'Yes' to God, as we get ourselves ready to welcome our Saviour, the Infant Jesus. May he, the Emmanuel, remain always with us till the end of time (Matt. 28:20). Amen