Monthly Mission Module
“Now 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 be with child 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.” Matthew 1:18-24
It was through the Holy Spirit that the child was conceived. It was with the resounding yes of Mary, to accept God’s call to be the mother of Jesus, that this miracle occurred. It was in the proclamation of the Angel to not be afraid that Joseph was able to welcome Mary into his home. All three of these things allows us to celebrate Emmanuel, God is With Us.
As you read the scripture passage, what strikes you?
The words “through,” “with” and “in” can serve as wonderful discernment words when we find ourselves curious as we look to understand God’s plan in our lives. How might I incorporate them into my prayer life?
Just like the gift the Holy Spirit gave us in the story of the Christ child, the Holy Spirit gives us many other gifts: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. During this holy season, how might my efforts to lift these gifts up in my life make the world a better place, make my work at HSHS a better place?