Nativity of
our Lord, Vigil Mass
Christmas
Vigil Mass
1st Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5: The Lord takes delight in
you.
2nd Reading: Acts 13:16-17.22-25: Paul’s witness to
Christ, the Son of David.
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25: The ancestry of Jesus Christ, the Son of
David.
Jesus’ Divine Birth: Unusual Events (Mt 1:18-25):
The
coming of God’s Son into the world was one of the most phenomenal events in all
of history. It necessitated and caused some very unusual events.
1. His birth was of the Spirit.
2. His birth created a predicament.
a.
Joseph’s
predicament: Mary was pregnant before marriage.
b.
Joseph’s
character and solution.
i.
Character:
A righteous man
ii.
Solution:
Not to expose Mary
3. His birth necessitated a special
revelation.
a.
To
give assurance
i.
He
was chosen
ii.
He
was not to be fear
b.
To
guide: In taking Mary to be his wife
c.
To
explain: the child is of the Spirit
d.
To
reveal the child’s destiny
i.
His
name Jesus
ii.
His
mission to save
4. His birth was a fulfilment of
prophecy
a.
Predicting
his virgin birth (Cf. Is 7:14)
b.
Predicting
his name: Immanuel
5. His birth brought about a great
obedience.
Thought:
Jesus
(iesous): Saviour; He will save. The Hebrew form is Joshua (yasha), meaning,
Jehovah is salvation; He is the Saviour. The idea is that of deliverance, of
being saved from some terrible disaster that leads to perishing (Jn 3:16; Rom
8:3; Gal 1:4; Heb 2:14-18; 7:25).
Jesus is
Immanuel: God is with us, God revealed in human flesh (Is 1:26; 9:6; Jn 1:1,
14; 2Cor 5:19; 1Jn 1:2).
Thought: Joseph acted
as God would have a man to act.
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