Friday December 17th: Sinners and Saints

If Jesus was happy to be a member of his family, we can be happy with our family as well.

Matthew 1: 1 – 17

The second part of Advent which runs from December 17 to 24, begins with the genealogy of Jesus. The purpose of this genealogy is to remind us that Jesus was born into a human family. We all have families.

Jesus’ family tree contains people who were outstanding for their virtue and faith. It also contains people who were questionable. Whose family does not have a mixture of all kinds that makes us proud of some but secretive about others? Jesus’ family tree with its mix of good and questionable means he understands, first-hand, our family make up and activities.

Jesus is not only coming into the world; he shares the reality of our lives. If our families comprise saints and sinners, Jesus’ did as well. If our families have persons who we are proud to display but others we are hesitant about, Jesus’ family was that way too. If Jesus was happy to be a member of his family, we can be happy with our family as well.

Photo by James Kovin on Unsplash