Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 18, 2023

Date:   Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent

 Scripture Text:  Matthew 1:18-25

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 be with child 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today from the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew gives an account of Joseph’s role in the birth of Christ. Through this text we are reminded of the extraordinary ways in which the LORD is active in our lives and in our world. Indeed, the whole first chapter beginning with the genealogy of Jesus speaks of our LORD as one who is active in every generation of our existence.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Do I look for the LORD in my moments and days? Do I listen for the LORD’s stirring in my mind and heart?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, throughout the ages You have loved us and been with us even when we turned away from You as a people. Your love for us led You to send your only begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother and to bring salvation to us through His selfless sacrifice upon a cross defeating sin and through his resurrection defeating death. Grant that we may seek You through heartfelt and loving prayer daily. Send your Spirit to guide us and to kindle in us the fire of your love. As we approach the celebration of Christmas, may we open our hearts and minds fully to your beloved Son whom You sent to us. May we open ourselves to Him and invite Him not only into our homes but our lives and our very selves. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.