From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Oct/Nov/Dec 25)

Late Advent Weekday

Jeremiah 23:5-8 + Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 + Matthew 1:18-25

God’s Presence Today

…what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they name him Emmanuel…

Isaiah’s prophecy came during a period of unrest and fear, when the Israelites desperately needed to believe in God’s promise to save them.  This promise is fulfilled through Mary’s “yes” and Joseph’s choice to take Mary into his home.  The birth of the child, Emmanuel (“God is with us”), is not simply a past event, not just one extraordinary story to be retold in every generation.  Each time one of us faithfully answers “yes” to loving and forgiving, we become a living testimony that God is with us.  When we put the needs of others before our own, God’s presence is felt today.  Our trust in Emmanuel will always give us strength to love and serve, as Jesus did, working for justice and peace.

Precious Emmanuel, help us to overcome the fear of losing everything, knowing God has called us to eternal life.

□ Deborah A. Meister