The Birth of Jesus Christ

In Matthews Gospel (1:18-25) we read about Jesus’ Birth:

‘Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus’.

We are, again, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This harmonious event is the Queen of all Ecclesiastical celebrations. Without it we would not have the other festivities; we would not have the Cross, the Resurrection; we would not have achieved salvation and communion with God. His presence on earth points out the salvation of mankind, which is continued today through His Body, the Church. Due to this eternal presence he is named ‘Emmanuel’. The name implies ‘God is with us’. Emmanuel remains in people’s lives not only as a route to God, towards Truth and Life, but even as a driver, as an initiator, as a brother who calls us all to the Kingdom of God. These truths ultimately reveal the meaning of life. They transform our lives!