"THE MYSTERY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH"
First Reading : Isaiah 7: 10-14
Second Reading: Romans 1: 1-7
Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18-24
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah foretells the birth of a very special child. He would be called Emmanuel. Ahaz the King of Judah was in a great crisis. The Prophet encouraged him to have faith in the Lord God. Isaiah's constant message to the King was to trust in the Lord God. Further Isaiah invited Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord God. The King refused to ask for a sign however the Prophet told him that he would be given a sign by the Lord God : a son whose name will be Emmanuel - GOD WITH US.
* Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. This passage contains the opening lines from Paul to Christians in Rome. Paul refers to the human and the divine 'roots' of Jesus. He describes Jesus as a descendant of David and Son of God who is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the past.
"Emmanuel - God with us "
Today's Gospel passage is from St. Matthew. This passage mentions the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus is seen as the royal child of the house of David, born of a virgin. In Jesus the dynasty of David continues. He is not only the son of David but also the Son of God and Jesus was born of a virgin mother Mary. Mary's virginity points to the truth that Jesus was conceived without the intervention of a human father. A virgin mother has no precedent in any religious traditions. As we approach Christmas the prophecy of Isaiah and the interpretation of it by Matthew is brought for a specific purpose. This is to remind us that even in our most distressing situations, difficulties and problems God is with us. It is in those painful times that we realize the immense power and the greatness of God.
"Christmas is not a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill. to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas".- C. Coolidge.
" Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone" - C.M. Schulz.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
"MAY THE EMMANUEL BORN IN BETHLEHEM BLESS EVERYONE"
First Reading : Isaiah 7: 10-14
Second Reading: Romans 1: 1-7
Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18-24
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah foretells the birth of a very special child. He would be called Emmanuel. Ahaz the King of Judah was in a great crisis. The Prophet encouraged him to have faith in the Lord God. Isaiah's constant message to the King was to trust in the Lord God. Further Isaiah invited Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord God. The King refused to ask for a sign however the Prophet told him that he would be given a sign by the Lord God : a son whose name will be Emmanuel - GOD WITH US.
* Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. This passage contains the opening lines from Paul to Christians in Rome. Paul refers to the human and the divine 'roots' of Jesus. He describes Jesus as a descendant of David and Son of God who is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the past.
"Emmanuel - God with us "
Today's Gospel passage is from St. Matthew. This passage mentions the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus is seen as the royal child of the house of David, born of a virgin. In Jesus the dynasty of David continues. He is not only the son of David but also the Son of God and Jesus was born of a virgin mother Mary. Mary's virginity points to the truth that Jesus was conceived without the intervention of a human father. A virgin mother has no precedent in any religious traditions. As we approach Christmas the prophecy of Isaiah and the interpretation of it by Matthew is brought for a specific purpose. This is to remind us that even in our most distressing situations, difficulties and problems God is with us. It is in those painful times that we realize the immense power and the greatness of God.
"Christmas is not a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill. to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas".- C. Coolidge.
" Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone" - C.M. Schulz.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
"MAY THE EMMANUEL BORN IN BETHLEHEM BLESS EVERYONE"
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