Sunday 21 December 2025
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. (v. 18)
Background
Matthew’s account focuses more on the conception and naming of Jesus than on the birth itself. Joseph is portrayed as an honourable man: discreet, compassionate and faithful. His response to a bewildering situation shows a quiet courage rooted in love.
Jesus' conception, Matthew tells us, is the work of God. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is understood as God’s creative force: hovering over the waters, breathing life into dust. From this flows a deep conviction in Jewish tradition that every child is ultimately a gift from God. Perhaps that’s why Matthew recounts the miraculous conception with such restraint. For him, every life is sacred. Every life is a gift from God.
Jesus was born into a loving relationship, and named with love. Two names are given: Jesus, which means 'God saves' – pointing to forgiveness and healing; and Emmanuel, 'God with us' – signifying that God’s love is not distant or abstract. It draws near.
At the very end of Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Jesus says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (28:20) The gift given then remains with us still. Jesus is the true gift to us all, divine favour manifested.
To Ponder:
- How might we learn to see every life – including our own – as a gift from God?
- Jesus is given two names: Jesus ('God saves') and Emmanuel ('God with us'). What do these names reveal about the kind of gift Jesus is to the world?
The Methodist Church is running an Advent campaign, Gifted. To find out more, please follow this link: methodist.org.uk/for-churches/christmasresources
Prayer
God who saves and God with us, thank you for the gift of Jesus and for the sacredness of every life. Teach us to live with compassion and courage, and to share your love in ways that bring hope and peace to the world. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fishburne
Andy is a Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer for the Methodist Church in Britain. He works to support individuals and communities in deepening their life of faith and discipleship, helping people explore what it means to live a Methodist Way of Life. His role includes developing resources and encouraging creative approaches to faith formation across the Connexion.