For this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Scripture readings emphasize the expectation of the Messiah's birth. The Old Testament selection from Isaiah 7:10-17 is a famous prophecy that contains both a warning and a promise of redemption. The hopeful promise is the sign of the child born of a virgin. This child will be called Immanuel, "God with us." Of course, Christians believe that this prophetic hope is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the Christ.
Matthew 1:18-25 is an account of Jesus' birth from Joseph's perspective. After an initial shock and hesitation, through divine guidance, Joseph comes to accept the virgin birth. He trusts in the holiness of his betrothed and the son she will bear. He is instructed to call Him Jesus, a name which comes from Hebrew meaning "the Lord will save." This brief account reminds us of two realities. It affirms the importance of Joseph's role in the plan for redemption, and it also points beyond Joseph to the greater importance of Jesus, the Redeemer. Let us honor Joseph's holiness and faith as well as Mary's. Even more importantly, let us appreciate the holiness of Christ our Redeemer, the true reason for the coming Christmas celebration!
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