The Gospel for the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is taken from Matthew 1st, chapter 18 to the 23rd verse. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph. But before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, to decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus. Because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet. Behold, a virgin shall be with child and bear a son. And they shall name him Immanuel.

Which means God is with us. It’s impossible to understand fully what this moment in history meant. In a way, God has always been. Since the call of Abraham with his people. The Ark went with them on their journey. But this new God is with us is more than just a God being near.

It’s about a God entering into our very being. The Holy Spirit that created Jesus is the same Holy Spirit that is given to us. He dwells in our hearts. He enables us to become like Jesus. Please reflect on the meaning of these scriptures. And after the music, I will close with a prayer.

Closing prayer. Father, awaken us to the fullness of what it means that you are within us. There’s a reason for this. Because without you, without your insight, your wisdom, your power flowing through us, we cannot be your apostles. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.