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Third Week of Advent (Year B) : Monday, 18th December 2023

Daily Word Of God

Matthew 1:18-21, 24

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’

When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • This Gospel account is both familiar and moving because it reminds us that God’s Plan is never straightforward to us human beings

 

  • Because of that, God re-assures us as we encounter the obstacles and difficulties in living our lives as Jesus’ disciples. We have only to trust as Joseph did.

 

  • One week away from the Incarnation. Let us rejoice that God would soon bind Himself forever to humankind in the mystery of His coming to be one with us . . . in all things, but sin . . . that we can all be saved. Ponder on this truth for a moment.