Jesus is born of Mary who was betrothed to Joseph, son of David
Here we enter a new stage of Advent: having spent so much time on the Second Coming, now we look back, to remember the details of the Lord’s First Coming. Today we focus on the characters of Mary and Joseph, and hear of the circumstances surrounding the conception of the child Jesus, and the reaction of Joseph. This mystery springs from the House of David, and so we lead into the Gospel by hearing of the promise that the Messiah would come from that line. The link between the First Reading and the Gospel is quite explicit today, since Matthew actually quotes Isaiah. Joseph, descendant of King David, is invited to take his place in the great story of God’s relationship with the Chosen people. There is great sense of a timeless mystery reaching its focal point, as that which was “promised long ago” (Second Reading) now takes flesh in the womb of Mary.
PSALM
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its people.
It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
1st Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14
2nd Reading: Romans 1:1-7
Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24
Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Eve:
St David’s 6.pm
Our Lady’s 9pm
Christmas Day:
Our Lady’s 9am
St David’s 10.30am
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