Gospel Background Understandings
Matthew (1: 18-25) Vigil: The key point of the genealogy of Jesus, is that Jesus only appears in passing in the infancy proper. The title used by the angel is addressed to Joseph as he dreams. This establishes the status of Joseph for the story in which he plays the lead role rather than Mary. Joseph’s Davidic lineage legitimates Jesus’ identity as son of David. The conclusion that Jesus is the son of David is reinforced by Matthew’s citation of the prophecy made to King Ahaz and thus to the house of David.
Matthew presents the birth of Jesus as both traditional and new. It is traditional in the sense of being in fruitful continuity with God’s long-established covenant with the “children of Abraham.” It is new in the sense being uniquely the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Emmanuel, “God-with-us,” as both our Rescuer from our sin and the son of David.
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Luke (2:1-14): Night: At last, the news we have all been waiting for, the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke’s version has captured the Christian imagination. Countless works of art have been inspired by its, as have carols and cribs in their numerous variations. It is a familiar story that never fails to move and comfort us.
Luke skilfully weaves together the threads of a human scene with those of divine purpose. He places the work of the saving and rescuing of the world in a specific historical context. Earthly realities are shot through with grace.
The way this story needs to both proclaimed and heard is with wonder, joy, and delight, as if it has never been heard before, ever.
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John (1: 18) Day: John’s Prologue is a profound confession of faith in the birth of Jesus, quite unlike Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel. It interweaves time and eternity, heaven, and earth, the divine and the humans light and darkness, shame, and glory.
The origins of this text may belong in the wisdom writings of the Old Testament, but if so, the author has opted for the masculine Word over feminine Wisdom. The result is a sublime mediation that begins in the heart of God and returns us there by creation, the birth of Jesus (the incarnation), the rescue of us of our sins by Jesus, (redemption) and the life of grace.
In summary, this text is a work of art. As such, and given its rarity of its appearance in Masses, this wonderful and beautiful text, deserves to be proclaimed with great thoughtfulness, reverence, significance, and love.