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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The birth of Jesus Christ

The birth of Jesus Christ

Published Sep 7, 2023 07:52 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Towards the end of Jesus’ genealogy, Matthew mentions the name Mary as betrothed to Joseph. Then he introduces Jesus as the one born of Mary. That word “born” occurs for the first time in Matthew, after the barrage of “the father of…” 


Today, when we introduce an important person to the public, we mention some of his educational attainments, his accomplishments, and positions in organizations he belongs to. We do not mention his ancestors, unless they are well-known public figures and are not notorious. But in the days of old, genealogy was important to make the person acceptable to his original audience that valued ancestries and relationships. In fact, attached to the name of the person is the name of his father. Jesus is better or popularly known as the son of Joseph. 


Matthew bases Jesus’ ancestry or lineage on the Old Testament, beginning with Abraham, a well-known patriarch, whom everyone likes to be associated with, and continues with David, the famous king of Israel. These are enough to impress his audience about Jesus and thus convince them to follow his story.

Gospel • Matthew 1:18-23  [or 1:1-16, 18-23]

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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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