As we approach Christmas, when we look at our streets and commercial centers, it often seems
that the spiritual meaning of the season is getting lost. People are already celebrating Christmas,
while the Church is still inviting us to light the fourth Advent candle. Does this mean that we are
behind or out of step with the world? No. Rather, the Church calls us to slow down, to make
room in our minds and hearts so that Christ may truly come and dwell with us.

Today’s readings focus on the identity of the One who is to come—Emmanuel, “God with us.”
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the Messiah, but no prophecy is fully
understood until after it has been fulfilled. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a special child who will
be born as a sign from God. At the time, Isaiah may not have fully grasped just how
extraordinary this child would be. Yet Christians later came to recognize that this prophecy was
fulfilled in the child born of Mary.

In the Gospel, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus belongs to the line of David through Joseph.
Though not His biological father, Joseph’s legal fatherhood places Jesus firmly within the
Davidic lineage, fulfilling God’s promise. This establishes Jesus’ human identity: He is truly
human, rooted in history, and part of God’s covenant with Israel. His second identity—His
divine identity as the Son of God—was revealed gradually and made fully manifest after His
resurrection.

Saint Paul explains this beautifully in the second reading when he writes that Jesus was
“descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according
to the Spirit of holiness through the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3–4). In Jesus, we
see both humanity and divinity united: fully human and fully divine.

This mystery invites us to reflect on our own identity. As children of God, we too share in a dual
identity. We are human, with our weaknesses and struggles, yet through faith and baptism we
share in God’s divine life. Living out this identity requires faith, trust, and openness to God’s
presence in our lives.

As we light the final Advent candle, the Church reminds us not to rush past the mystery of
Emmanuel. God chooses to come quietly, humbly, and patiently into our world and into our
hearts. Let us, like Joseph, listen to God’s voice, trust His plan, and make room for Christ. Then
Christmas will not simply be a celebration on our calendar, but a living reality: God truly with
us.

Scripture Readings:
Is 7:10–14, 10 • Rom 1:1–7 • Mt 1:18–24