We are currently one week away from our celebration of Christmas. The great mystery that we will come to celebrate on that day is outlined for us in our readings.
The Prophet Isaiah instructed: "The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." Our Gospel echoed this prophecy for it stated this reality in reference to Mary and the birth of her Son, Jesus. It was pointed out that Emmanuel means: "God is with us."
This is precisely why our celebration of Christmas is so important. It is important for on this day we celebrate the fact that God is with us. He who come to dwell within the crib is not only a human child, but it is also God who comes to dwell with us out of love. Our faith instructs us concerning Jesus that He is both fully human and fully divine.
Saint Matthew's Gospel points out that Mary "was found with child through the Holy Spirit." It also instructs us concerning Saint Joseph who was moved into action through the assistance of the angel of the Lord. As we come to approach Christmas may we allow the Holy Spirit to be at work within us. May we allow ourself to be moved into action by the Spirit and thus come to more perfectly celebrate "God who is with us."
We are called to follow the path which leads towards salvation. Both Mary and Joseph received a profound call from God and both were willing to follow this path with the confidence of faith. If we are to follow after this path we must silence our heart in order to hear the voice of God. In this manner we will come to follow the path which leads us to encounter "God who is with us."
