Walking with Jesus: Fourth Sunday of Advent A

For Sunday, December 18, 2022

Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24

With Christmas a week away, I’m sure our minds are all over the place: What shopping do I have left to do? What things do I still have to do? What about the festivities … about Christmas dinner … travel plans … reservations … parties … socials … meetings ... do I have to go to this week?

I can add funerals to this list. A wonderful, fine, holy neighboring priest, Msgr. Joe Lehman, pastor of St. Bede’s Church here in Williamsburg, Virginia, died unexpectedly this past Tuesday, Dec. 13. We are never prepared for death.  Christmas is now filled with death. I know a vast number of us have experienced death during the Christmas season, and I will remember all in my Christmas Masses.  My dad died on New Year’s Eve 1969; I remember the day well and treasure being with him during his last moments.  

Today the readings talk about the fear of death: Ahaz in Isaiah and Christ being born to us in Matthew. How can these readings help us as we witness new life; the excitement of young and old to opening Christmas presents and celebrating festivities; and our remembering, treasuring and sharing the coming birth of Jesus, showing us God’s love and what our lives are all about?

What was happening? Ahaz rules Judah (the southern kingdom) from 735 to 715 B.C.  The kings from Aram (Syria) and Israel (the northern kingdom) are attacking Jerusalem because Ahaz has refused to enter an anti-Assyrian alliance (see 2 Kings 16). Isaiah announces that God is prepared to give Ahaz any sign the king wants that will assure the king to trust in God, who will take total care of the situation. Not a faith-filled person, Ahaz declines the offer because he doesn’t want to tempt God.

Do we ever consider that sometimes we use the same tactic because we don’t trust God or are afraid, or we hope that if we do nothing the situation will solve itself? Ahaz’s real reason is that he wants to secure his position as king. He doesn’t want to offend God, but by doing nothing his own people have suffered long enough. The king has not put God first and has not been a shepherd for God’s people. Isaiah says the people will receive a sign anyway: A virgin will have a son and give him the name Emmanuel, affirming that God is present to us. God is present at every moment with us. Do we question this?

Paul declares that the Gospel of Jesus — God loves us — fulfills the promise of salvation that all the prophets foretold. Jesus has redeemed us, blessed us with apostleship and called each of us to be holy so that others can be touched by God’s love. We are His apostles to our own world. If they don’t see Jesus in us, where will they see and hear about God’s love?

Today’s gospel contains Matthew’s infancy narrative (the other one is found in Luke 2:1-20). Matthew starts out: “Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” [Matthew 1:18] Matthew is referencing the theology describing the meaning of Jesus’ birth. The story is true but not completely factual historically. In first-century Palestine, a couple's marriage process began with betrothal. Parents arranged marriages by settling dowry issues, land holdings and inheritance, and then they negotiated and signed contracts. The bride-to-be continued living with her parents until the marriage ceremony, which might be in several months or years.

Mary is found with child through the Holy Spirit. No character in the story knows this yet. Now the story shifts to Joseph not wanting Mary to be humiliated. He takes Mary, fulfilling the prophesy in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign; the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name Him Emmanuel [Isaiah 7:14], which means God is with us.” [Matthew 1:23] This theme is constant throughout the Gospel: God is present. His presence is very powerful. He loves each of us that much.

So I reflect on:

• How can I be more like St. Joseph: righteous, just, courageous, obedient, trusting, humble, merciful and fully aware of God’s presence?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“We are invited to take our challenging situations to the Lord in trust. God’s surprising ways are revealed to Mary and to Joseph. Joseph, the righteous man, gives me a message on how to accept Jesus as Savior. Lord, help me see the surprising ways in which You reveal Yourself to me now.”