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 this birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. They insist on his divine origin, and at the same time, they reveal his human nature. 

In effect, Saint Matthew sees in the birth of Christ the realization of the sign of the Emmanuel announced to king Ahaz by the prophet Isaiah (Is. 7:10-14). In the announcement made by the Angel to Joseph, we see how the project of God is being accomplished. It was God who took the initiative. This initiative is exceptional and mysterious: the Virgin Mary has conceived a son through the Holy Spirit; and this son will be called Emmanuel, God-is-with-us. He will be named Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:18-24). 

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, humility and silence to the realization of God’s saving project. Joseph, a descendent of David, became the foster-father of Jesus the Messiah. In this respect, we may well understand Saint Paul when he affirms that he is an apostle of the Gospel concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, who is descended from David according to the flesh, and established as Son of God in power according to the Holy Spirit (Rom. 1:1-7). 

As such, God’s saving plan comes through, thanks to the “yes” of both Mary and Joseph. Like them, we may have our own projects and plans. But we must know that God has a bigger project, a bigger plan of love, for our lives. Sometimes we need to let go our own plans even when it seems unjust and unreasonable. What is important is to accept God’s will with faith and obedience. As we get ourselves ready to welcome the Infant Jesus, let us ask him the grace, so that our hearts and homes may become his dwelling-place. May he, the Emmanuel, remain always with us till the end of time. Amen