Matthew 1:18-25New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah^[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. ²⁰ But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

which means, “God is with us.” ²⁴ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, ²⁵ but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;^[b] and he named him Jesus.

Meditation Prayer and Questions:

Prayer:  Come, Holy Spirit, living in Mary, and help me to be merciful to all people

• Do you believe that God will fulfill every promise He has made?
• How could God be faithful to His promise to raise up a righteous King who would rule forever over the house of David?
• Do you believe in “hope against hope” (Romans 4:18)? Do you believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances?
• What does it mean that Joseph was a just and God-fearing man?
• What does St. Joseph’s faith and trust in God teaches you?
• Do you ask the Lord to renew your faith and hope in Him? Do you trust Him in His plan for your life?

“Saint Joseph, I beg you to pray for me to imitate your righteousness and obedience to the Lord God.”