The birth of Christ

Gospel
Matthew 1:18–25
Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus.

This is 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 the 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 conceive 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.

Reflection
This reading is about those involved in the birth of Christ who is to bring salvation to mankind. First there is God who sent his only son Christ our lord. Mary our mother is the one to give birth to this child while Joseph who is bethrothed to Mary is the protector of the Child. Joseph and Mary are part of God's plan to bring us Emmanuel. Today let us ask ourselves what is our role in God's plan.

Let us pray
Lord Jesus tq for coming down to us to bring salvation. Our mother Mary and Joseph became part of the plan to bring salvation. Grant we pray guide us so we too will play a part in bringing salvation to mankind
Amen

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