First Sunday after Christmas Day AD 2023

When we look at the genealogy of Jesus, we see many people there who are described in the Old Testament as having done a lot of evil and were extremely sinful. Jesus’ opponents also accused Him of being a sinner – or at least of eating and drinking with sinners. In the Gospel of John, they even hinted that Jesus was born “of fornication”.

This seems to have been a common opinion among the Jews and, to some extent, it is understandable because even Saint Joseph was struck with suspicion when he learned that Mary, his betrothed wife, was found to be with child.

However, it is clear that if Joseph had really thought that Mary had been unfaithful, then as a righteous and law-abiding man, he could not have simply sent her away, but should have had her punished by death, according to the Law of Moses. Joseph did not do this. As it is said in the Gospel: “Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”

Joseph sensed that something special had happened, perhaps even supernatural. He was a sincere man and open to the fact that God’s ways are wonderful and often unexpected. That is why he was able to accept the revelation given to him: “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

This revelation is for all of us: a Child has been born to us who is holy and without sin. A Redeemer has been born to us, who has come for us sinners, to save us from our sins. He was born “in the likeness of sinful flesh”, but without sin – in order to redeem us, so that “we might receive the adoption” and become the children of God.