The Gospel reading today is the genealogy of Jesus Christ taken from St. Luke chapter three. We might wonder why the genealogy of Christ is being read on a Sunday. It is dry, and quite frankly, boring read. Nevertheless, we must look beyond the lack of narrative excitement; and understand the reason why the Gospel writer sets forth the lineage of Christ, and why the church requires the reading of the genealogy on the Sunday before Christmas.

The word JUST can be used in the English language as an adverb, that is, to describe a verb. For example, I just finished my homework. Or it can be used as an adjective, that is, to describe a noun. In the Gospel reading, Joseph is described a being a just man in his dealings with Mary. He was willing to put her away secretly, rather than shaming her in public for being with a child that was not his. At that time for a man to make such a bold consideration meant that he had a sense of justice and compassion above and beyond what the Jewish law prescribed for such a woman in that predicament. Of course, Joseph is visited by the angel Gabriel and told exactly why and how Mary is pregnant. The point here is that Joseph is described as being a just man. What does the word mean? And how is it applicable to our Christian life at present?

In the Gospel reading today we encounter the birth of John the Baptist. At the time of his birth, his family members and even friends of the family were present. The question that arises is, “what should we name the newborn?” Elizabeth, the newborn's mother, wanted him to be named John, but the others stated that ‘no one among the relatives was named John.’ This is so because it is the tradition of the east to name the baby after a relative. For example, I was named Gheevarghese, after my uncle.

In Genesis 1:29, God gave Adam the instruction that He has given him all seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for his food. All living things are reproduced on the earth through a seed. For example, if you cut an apple, you will find a seed; and if that seed is taken and planted into the ground, watered and taken care of, then eventually it will produce fruit; and the cycle continues.

In the Gospel Reading today we encounter a Jewish priest named Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of mature age, yet they do not have children. They are, as the Gospel of Luke reports, blameless; that is, they have kept all the laws and upheld the traditions of their fathers and mothers.