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4th Sunday Advent C
Is 7:10-14
Judah faced a tough situation in the eighth century. Israel and Syria, the northern powers, formed a coalition against Assyria and pressured Judah to join. King Ahaz was unsure whether to submit to Assyria or ally with the north. Isaiah advised independence, emphasizing God’s plan since Syria and Israel were doomed, and urged trust in God’s word. Ahaz declined God’s sign, but Isaiah still predicted a young woman would bear a son named Immanuel, symbolizing God’s presence. The threat from the northern kingdoms would pass, but Judah would face discipline. The prophecy offers both good and bad news, ultimately pointing to God’s deliverance of a remnant. The child’s identity is uncertain, possibly a sign related to Ahaz’s son Hezekiah or a future messianic figure linked to the Davidic line, ultimately fulfilled in the conception of Jesus.
Rom 1:1-7
Paul outlines his understanding of “God-with-us”, using a classical greeting. He identifies himself as a slave of Christ—not in servitude but as fully devoted, an apostle commissioned by the risen Jesus, set apart for mission like prophets (Gal 1:15). The gospel he preaches is rooted in Hebrew scriptures converging on Christ (v2). Paul describes Christ as Lord both biologically, as a descendant of David (v3), and spiritually, through resurrection (v4). He does not address Christ’s pre-existent divinity but emphasizes the Spirit of holiness that empowers believers and signifies Jesus’s divine status after resurrection. Paul’s apostleship serves the Gentiles, with obedience to the gospel akin to slavery of Christ, calling believers to accept and live in Christ (v6). Addressing the Romans as God’s holy ones (v7), he emphasizes the risen Christ as the source of their sanctity, grace, and peace, affirming that Father and Christ together cause Christian holiness.
Mt 1:18 – 24
The infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke are theological, not factual accounts of Jesus’ birth. In Matthew the key themes are introduced, like Emmanuel (the Greek spelling of the Hebrew Immanuel) emphasizing Jesus as both God’s and Mary’s Son through virginal conception. Joseph plays a crucial role as a Davidic descendant and dreamer, receiving divine messages through angels. The account highlights Jesus’ divine mission, using Isaiah’s prophecy about a virgin, and underscores God’s covenant presence, ending with Jesus’ legal paternity and Davidic lineage. The narratives point to the end-time, messianic fulfillment, and God’s presence among His people.
Every time we hear ‘The Lord be with you,’ it reminds us that the Lord is with us and encourages us to strengthen that relationship. During good days, we feel Emmanuel with joy, like Matthew’s community. In tough times, like Ahaz’s era when Judah faced disaster, it’s hard to feel His presence, but Immanuel was still there. He remains present today— in sacrament, scripture, neighbors, and the world. Christmas allows us to experience this again. Amen!
