Epistle: 1 John 4:7–16 —
Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25-
The Word of
the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus
Though Ahaz would not ask, the Lord gives a sign to
the House of David, that “the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
With this promise He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone; it is no
work or achievement of man, but the Lord’s own work and His free gift. The
promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, and the sign is received in faith by the House of David in the
person of Joseph (Matthew 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin
Mary.” (Nicene Creed)
God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus,
Mary’s Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous
example in his immediate and quiet obedience, taking Mary to be his wife and
caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest
in this, that “the Father has sent His
Son to be the Savior of the world,” “to
be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–12).[2]
Collect for
Christmas Eve: O God, You make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of
Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that as we joyfully receive Him as
our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our
Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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