Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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At first glance, it appears that Ahaz did not want to offend God in our first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. God said to Ahaz, “Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God.” But Ahaz answered him, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD.” Is he politely saying to God, “I don’t want to bother you by asking for a sign; you have more important things to do. I trust you?” Not really.
Looking at the reading more closely, Ahaz told God that he didn’t want a sign from God. He didn’t want God in his future. He was rejecting God.
God replied to Ahaz that even if he didn’t ask for a sign, he will get one. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” God has a way of fulfilling his plans even when he is rejected by human pride and folly.
The Gospel for today tells of the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesy of the child conceived by a virgin. It took centuries, but it came to be. In fact, what God gave to us is, quite literally, the mother of all signs. The story on this Sunday is about the sign of Mary. The virgin conceived and brought forth God’s Son, as God had promised. And Jesus is called Emmanuel — a title that means, “God is with us.”
Still, sometimes we are tempted (by the devil) to eliminate God, if only temporarily, from our daily lives, not unlike Ahaz who wanted to do the same on a more permanent basis. Unfortunately, even during this holy season, we see it happen when normally good people become rude to each another in a store as they seek out the perfect gift, shout at each other during family dinners over politics, or feel free to write vitriolic things about others online.
So, in these last few days until the celebration of Christmas, we might need to take some quiet time to refocus on Jesus and to remember what Christmas is all about. It’s about Him. Let’s stay close to Jesus — and allow the example of Mary and Joseph to guide us to the child in the crib. He is our savior, after all — and he is with us. And that is why we can say to one another, as brothers and sisters in the Lord, “Merry Christmas.”
Have a most blessed and joyful week everyone!