As Elaine and I move closer to Christmas, we feel a deep need to know that God is with us.
One deeply loved relative suddenly succumbed to alcoholism and another was called home to the Lord.
I am sure we're not the only ones experiencing deep losses that surface painfully at this time of year.
That's what make this passage so meaningful.
Matthew isn't stating facts, he is confessing his faith in God keeping promises.
God's promises to Israel and the whole world begin with the Creation story which includes the Spirit blowing across the waters and the birth of Adam.
In this passage, the Spirit is active again creating in Mary what Matthew understands as "new Adam".
The primary promise God makes to David is creating descendants forever, not just to Israel but all of us.
That is why Jesus is named Emmanuel, "God with us".
Matthew's confession of faith is that the God who created long ago, is still creating and will continue to create in order to redeem and renew creation and all of us.
God’s continuing creations and promises are seen most fully in the baby Jesus, born of Joseph and Mary.
Matthew's confession of faith is that Emmanuel speaks words of mercy, hope and grace to all who listen.
So, like all who are experiencing a dark time of the soul, I am confident the Lord will speak those words.
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