Today we celebrate Emmanuel, a name which means, 'God is with us.' The scriptures are replete with men and women who are disturbed by this Good News. Herod who first hears about the child born in Bethlehem, and Pilate, who is intrigued by Jesus, but not enough to seek the truth. But throughout the centuries this child born in our midst has inspired countless men and women to faith. Some have 'St' before their names, others would not allow Sin and Evil to dissuade them from doing what is right or good.
Even the 'Advent people' like Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Joseph, had their lives changed forever as they said 'Yes' to God. When we place ourselves in God's hands we simply walk by faith that God is with us. Such an action, a belief if you will, is more like an ongoing profession of faith. Our faithfulness is not so much about who we are, but about the greatness of God the Father. God's great desire is to bring salvation and peace to the whole world.
Especially in Matthew's Gospel the God whose birth we celebrate is named Emmanuel, God is with us. In the midst of darkness, and the yuck and gunk which seems so prevalent in our world today, God continues to be born into our time and place. The entire point of the Incarnation is that God continues to be faithful from the beginning of time. This great mystery which we celebrate asks us to respond to such great love by faith-filled lives.
God so loves the world that he jumps into human history, in human flesh. By becoming more like us God invites us to become like him in holiness.
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