If you have ever been embarrassed as you reflected on the dysfunction in your own family, it might be consoling to look at the characters in Jesus’s family tree.
In Jesus’s very own family there are saints and sinners –some brought honor to the family and others didn’t. For each of them, we can find reflections in our own families around the world. Jacob wrestled with God and was marked by it. Some in our family might be wrestling with God now. Rahab protected Joshua’s spies, even though she wasn’t living honorably. Perhaps there are people in our families that feel their lives are steeped in sin, but still have hope. Ruth stayed with the family she married into even after her husband died. Maybe there is someone in our family who feels like an outsider.
Fromm all walks of life, Jesus continues to join our families, even if we are unworthy of him because he is glad we are part of his family.
Are our families preparing for the birth of Jesus? How many generations will you be celebrating with?
Lord, we pray our families know peace in their hearts this season as we prepare for your Son, Jesus.
For additional reading: Today’s Gospel: The Genealogy of Jesus
