From today’s Gospel Reading – Matthew 1: 18-25 (USCCB)
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.
“The Christmas Season is exhausting. I can’t wait for it to be over. I’m just so busy…”
I have heard more than one acquaintance mutter these words or something similar in the past few weeks. I feel for them. Buying gifts, wrapping gifts, decoration, cooking, travel, etc – the season and all it brings can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important for us to stop what we are doing for a few minutes each day and remind ourselves about the true meaning of this season.
We are in the midst of Advent, which should be a time of joyous waiting and expectation for the baby Jesus, who came to earth to save us. If we are upset and anxious instead of filled with peace and thankfulness, we become like Martha who was too distracted by her preparations to recognize the wonderful gift of Christ’s presence.
This season is about Him and Him only. Everything else should be secondary.
Lord, help me not to lose sight of your that little baby boy who came to save me. I am sorry if I have become too distracted with earthly preparations during this busy season. Help me to take time very day to thank you for sending your only Son to be here with me. Amen.