Jesus as Immanuel: 4th Sunday of Advent

Jesus as Immanuel 
Matthew 1:18-25: Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Joseph; Jesus will be Immanuel

·         Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth follows a lengthy genealogy that names Jesus as an ancestor of Abraham. From the beginning, Matthew identifies Jesus as a fulfillment of God’s promises to the people of Israel. Matthew quotes Hebrew scripture often, regularly placing Jesus in the context of Jewish history.

·         Matthew takes Joseph’s perspective on the conception, announcement, and birth of Jesus, pointing out the challenging position Joseph was put into by this unplanned and untimely birth.

·         Mary and Joseph needed each other. Joseph needed Mary to carry Jesus. Mary needed Joseph to offer Jesus status and education. God needed humanity to care for each other in order for God’s plan to work.