In this week's edition of There's More in the Gospel than Meets the Eye,
Jill Bevilacqua and Seàn-Patrick Lovett bring us readings and reflections for the
Fourth Sunday in Advent. Listen:
Gospel Mt
1:18 - 24
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, 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, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and
they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he
did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.