Delving into the Scriptures reveals they are more than quaint, trite fables of past figures. St. Paul encountered the figure of Christ, and that experience completely changed his life. Instead of being a threat to Christians thinking they were heretics who needed to be stoned, he became an apostle who preached:
I Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness” (Rom 1:1 – 2).
St. Paul witnessed to the Gospel with his life. His actions were nothing less than miraculous. But why would a man who wanted to destroy a budding belief in a false messiah, suddenly change and become one of the most prominent preachers of this Truth?
The prophets, most explicitly Isaiah, foretold the coming of a Savior who was not merely an earthly messiah but a Divine Messiah. Matthew also radically changes his life when he encounters Jesus. He quotes an obscure passage hidden:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Mt 1:23).
God is with us? This is strange, unbelievable even. Why would the God of Creation, the God Who Is, the God of Heaven humble Himself to dwell with us? St. Paul answers. God made a promise, a covenant in which He bonded Himself with us. He is a God Who keeps his promises. Do we our promises?
The Gospel Truth becomes real when we understand the Prophet’s prediction. The young maiden who has yet to be married or have marital relationships is found with Child, and not just any Child, but the God-Child. This is Isaiah’s prophecy. This fulfills God’s promise to his people.
St. Paul comments on this “fable” telling the Romans it is not a myth but is the Gospel: God became Man!
Jesus fulfills not only this prophecy but others as well. The Messiah would be a great King and live forever (2 Sam 7:12). The Messiah would be born of David’s lineage (Jer 25:5-6). That He would be a Holy Child, The Prophet who would die a prophet’s death in Jerusalem (Lk 13:33). That He would be born in Bethlehem (Mc 5:2). That the kings of Sheba and Seba would offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Ps 72).
St. Paul knew these prophecies and by the hand of God, understood them. He received the gift of faith — understanding. We who celebrate Christmas ought to open our hearts so the hand of God will bring about in us an obedience of faith, for we too are called to be an apostle, a true prophet, preaching the Gospel Truth! Emmanuel is with us forever.