The prophet Jeremiah announced the promise of the Lord: Behold, the days are coming. Centuries later the angel assured St. Joseph the prophecy was fulfilled. The Lord 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.” The word of the Old Testament come to pass in the New. St. Matthew bookends his gospel by having Jesus say at his Ascension. “I will be with you always.” How is Jesus with us today? He told us in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. “Whatsoever you do to the least, you do unto me.” Jesus is with us in the hungry and the homeless, the sick and stranger, the naked and the needy. The best way to welcome the Christ Child into our midst today is by reaching out and including those who are hurting into the circle of love and care as the Church.
