your advent genealogy
"A family record of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah." —Matthew 1:1-2
Reading the beginning of the New Testament, today's Gospel reading, is like reading the phone book. Why would God start the New Testament in this way? Maybe He wants to show us that He is God and does not have to meet our standards.
The Lord also starts the New Testament with this genealogy to indicate that He chose to work through many people and circumstances to prepare for His first coming. Each one of us also has a spiritual genealogy of persons the Lord is using to prepare us for His Christmas coming. We all have our own Marys and John the Baptizers who help prepare the way of the Lord in our lives this Christmas.
Name four people who highlight your spiritual Advent genealogy this year. As you light the candles of the Advent wreath, think of how the Lord is working through these four people. Ask yourself how you are responding to God's grace in these four situations. If you're not clear about what the Lord is doing through these people, ask the Spirit to enlighten you. If you're resisting God's grace, repent. Thank God for the people He has put into your life and your Advent by responding to Him with all your heart. In this way, you will receive Christ this Christmas.
Prayer: Jesus, make me a spiritual midwife helping others give birth to You this Christmas.
Promise: "The scepter shall never depart from Judah." —Gn 49:10
Praise: "O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus, the Redeemer on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010
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