Signs and Wonders

The Nativity story is filled with signs and wonders, the very elements that make our Christmas celebrations so warm and nostalgic.  We sing phrases like “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” “Sleep in heavenly peace,” “Star of wonder,” and of course, “Tidings of comfort and joy.”  Yet at its heart, the Nativity presents us with a theological mystery that far outpaces human reasoning.  Emmanuel, “God is with us,” is a paradox we will never fully grasp with logic alone. Instead, these signs and wonders invite us to see mystery, not as a problem to be solved but as a reality to step into – deepening our personal relationship with the Divine.

The first time that Emmanuel, “God is with us,” appears in Scripture is found in this Sunday’s first reading (Isa 7:10-14). The Lord instructs Ahaz, king of the southern kingdom of Judah, to ask for a sign. Ahaz, uncertain about this kind of assurance refuses, but God gives him a sign anyway. “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”

In the letter to the Romans (Rm 1:1-7), Paul affirms Jesus as the promised Messiah. First, he reminds his readers that Jesus is descended from David’s line, a nod to his human, Jewish heritage.  Then Paul affirms this Messiah as the Son of God by recounting the signs and wonders of Jesus’ resurrection and the power received from the Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel, Matthew (Mt 1:18-24) recounts Joseph’s place in the Nativity story.

Joseph has no spoken lines in Scripture, but four times he is the recipient of angelic visits in dreams, each with specific instructions and warnings related to Jesus' birth and safety.

The Nativity story encourages us to see “God is with us” in ways that surpass our understanding and to recognize the quiet wonders in our everyday lives.

Christmas Connections

Many common Christmas traditions have roots in the signs and wonders of the Nativity story.

• Candles and Christmas lights: Represent Christ, the Light of the World, who overcomes darkness.

• Candy cane: Its "J" shape represents the shepherd's crook, while the red and white stripes symbolize Christ's sacrifice and purity.

• Christmas tree and wreath: The evergreen tree represents everlasting life, while the circular wreath symbolizes God's eternal love.

• Gift giving: The tradition of exchanging gifts is rooted in the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh brought to Jesus by the Magi.

Faith Sharing Questions

1. How do you balance faith and reason in your spirituality?

2. Can you recognize any “sign and wonders” that have affected you personally?

3. What does the word “Emmanuel” (God is with us) mean for you personally?

4. Reflecting on Ahaz’s sign from God, what does it mean to you that God offers signs even when we don’t ask for them?

5. How might you better appreciate the signs and wonders of Christmas this year?