How christ was born?

Gospel

Matthew 1:18-24

How Jesus Christ came to be born

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son

and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

Short Reflection

This passage reveals Joseph as a model of faithful obedience amidst profound confusion. Faced with an inexplicable pregnancy, his initial response is not anger, but a quiet, compassionate justice—he seeks to protect Mary from public shame. Yet, when God interrupts his plan through a dream, Joseph demonstrates remarkable courage. He does not demand further proof but immediately aligns his will with God's, despite the personal cost and social stigma. In doing so, Joseph becomes a crucial, active participant in salvation history. His "yes" protects the Holy Family and, by naming Jesus, he legally brings the Messiah into the line of David. Joseph teaches us that true faith is not about understanding everything, but about trusting and obeying God's word, making room for "Emmanuel"—God-with-us.

Question for Reflection

When God's plan disrupts my own understanding and intentions, do I respond with the trusting and immediate obedience of Joseph?

Short Prayer

Saint Joseph, faithful and righteous servant, you trusted God's word in the midst of uncertainty and confusion. Pray for me, that I may have a heart like yours—ready to listen, quick to obey, and courageous enough to welcome God's will, making room for His presence in my life. Amen.

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