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Gospel Reading for December 21, 2025 – Matthew 1: 18-24
BIG SHAME
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 conceive
and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
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In the olden days it was such a BIG SHAME to be pregnant and not be married. During Mary’s time, it was even worst because in such a case, the punishment was to be stoned to death. Such was Mary’s obedience to God’s will, and trust in God, that he will take care of her no matter what. She did not care at all about her reputation or the punishment she might receive.
Those of us who are Christians not only in name but also in deed, sometimes have to put up with shaming from others because we are considered prudish in this day and age when cyber sex has become common; or when we continue to espouse Christian values which they consider a thing of the past; or when we are in a workplace where corruption is the normal and we do not join them. We should never ever doubt that espousing Christian values derived from the teachings of Jesus and the Bible means doing the Father’s will, and whatever happens, God has our back. He will surely take good care of us and Jesus will prepare a place for us after biding our time on earth (John 14: 2-3).
Lord, help us to continue to espouse Christian values of love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and integrity even if we are derided or mocked by others!
