A few years back, I came across a document written by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled: “Advent: Joy and Hope: We look forward with joy to the coming of Jesus.” Joy and hope are two themes that are important in Advent, but perhaps these themes are often neglected and overlooked during this very busy time of the year. Advent is often approached as a solemn and serious time where we emphasize repentance, renewal, and reconciliation. But it is a very joyful season too. The circumstances that Joseph faced in today’s Gospel are quite serious. We can only imagine his anxiety, concern, and tension.
Matthew tells us in today’s Gospel that Jesus’ upcoming birth fulfills what the prophet foretold, that the Virgin would give birth to a child who will be called Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Advent is a time where we not only prepare for the coming of the Lord, but we are also called to reflect upon the way God is with us. Emmanuel means that “God is with us” – not that “God will soon be with us” or that “God is on the way.” Sometimes, with the reality of our lives and the reality of our modern world, it is easy to forget that “God is with us.”
God comes to us in a special way in the birth of Christ, but God is always with us. He is present throughout human history in many different ways. As we are close to our celebration of Christmas, I pray that all of us may be aware of the ways that God is with us and the ways that God is working in our lives.
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