Matthew 1:18-25 The Birth of Jesus

Reading:
18 Now 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. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Meditation:
What are the physical surroundings like in this passage? The scenery, the room, the lighting, etc. Is it cold or warm? What do you see? smell? hear? feel?

Who is there? What do they look like? Joseph? The Angel? Anyone else? You?

What is the atmosphere like? The mood of Joseph? Your attitude?

What is happening? What is the conversation? What is Joseph doing? What is the angel saying? What about you?

Hos does Joseph react? How do you react?


Prayer:
How do you respond to this scene? An action? A gesture? A word? A dialogue?

Contemplation:
Remain quiet in the scene or wherever the Lord wants to lead you. Relax with God. Rest in His love and presence.

Close:
Thank the Lord for this time together. End with the Lord's Prayer.