Sunday Readings:
Is 7, 10-14; Rom 1,1-7; Mt 1,18-24
In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, Jesus is to be called "Emmanuel" which means "God with us". The birth of Christ allows us to understand that God is not far and distant. He is with every one of us.
As Christians, we have been taught to perceive the presence of the mystery of God within us. Christ is born in our hearts by faith. We welcome him with a simple heart, we receive his mysterious presence that sustains and encourages us.
Receiving Christ in our hearts means receiving peace, life, love, and forgiveness... that comes from the depths of our being. The presence of Christ in our life will appease, free, and heal us. That is why Jesus is "God with us"; by welcoming it, we will know the joy of Christmas.
Fr. Martin