Scripture Study for
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10–14 / Psalm 24:7c, 10b / Romans 1:1–7 / Matthew 1: 18–24
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
Isaiah tells Ahaz to ask for a sign that will confirm earlier promises made to the Davidic dynasty of which he was the present heir. Feigning humility, he refuses. The prophet then promises an emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Since every king was considered a sign of God’s presence with the people, this prophecy could have had any king in mind. It probably refers to Ahaz’s yet-to-be-born son. However, the people’s disappointment with the monarchy soon gave the prophecy more importance. At issue here is the fulfillment of God’s promise to be present with the people, regardless of the situations in which they find themselves. By stating that Jesus was a descendant of David, Paul attributes to him all of the promises and blessings ascribed to the person of David and to the dynasty that he had established. As a descendant of David, Jesus is a member of the people of Israel and placed squarely within the fold of human society. Paul maintains that the Gentiles (in Rome) are beloved of God, called to be holy people. The lines of initiative and responsibility are clear. God called Paul and set him apart for the ministry of the gospel. Paul is sent to the Gentiles to set them apart for God as well.
Several features of the angel’s message found in the Gospel call for serious consideration. First, the Holy Spirit is probably not a reference to Trinitarian theology but to the power of God that will be experienced at the time of eschatological fulfillment. Second, the child’s name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew, which means “YHWH is salvation.” Third, a solemn formula of fulfillment is proclaimed: “[T]o fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet” (Matthew 1:22). Fourth, the child is given a second name, Emmanuel, God with us. These two titles identify Jesus as the saving power of God and the presence of God in the midst of the people.