Christmas Eve 2021 (A)

Mathew 1:18-23

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Angels sang about it.

Prophets foretold it.

The arrival of the Christ child, freshly birthed from Mary's womb, was to be an outward and visible sign - to those with the eyes to see - of an inward and spiritual mystery.

In the precious moments of conception and of birth a vast ripple in the fabric of time and space would burst open for an instant. And God would become a human being, identifying himself with His creation.

Through the line of Jesse, he would become Immanuel, God with us.

Responsive Reading

Leader: Jesus Christ, the son of God is born this night.

Congregation: God's word has been made flesh among us.

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Congregation: Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them a light has shined.

Leader: You, O Lord, have increased our joy. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

Congregation: His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Leader: He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us.