One Word

Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent—A

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

Today we experience a slight but tantalizing foretaste of Christmas. Eagerly, we anticipate the One we have already received, and who will also come to us in fuller measure. One word expresses it—the Word: Jesus, which means “God saves” in ancient Hebrew.

God saves. God alone.

Ahaz refuses to believe it in the first reading. He prefers to rely on his own plans and devices, which is something we all do. Nevertheless, God, through the prophet Isaiah, promises something completely outlandish—a son born of a virgin, whose name will be Emmanuel, or “God is with us.”

The Gospel of Matthew points to this prophecy as being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, who “will save his people from their sins.” God is our salvation, which He accomplishes by becoming one with us. For Joseph, and for us, it is a dream come true.

And what is the meaning of this dream? Very simply, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Taste and see that the Lord is good!