An account[a] of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
The Gospel of Matthew begins the story of Jesus’ journey by naming Jesus’ ancestors. There are many peculiar elements of this genealogy, specifically the fact that five women are among the ancestors listed, as are Gentiles and those who lacked social/political power.
Just as many other Advent narratives, this framing reminds us that God’s divine plan unfolds in unconventional, subversive, extra-ordinary ways.
Additionally, we can glean from this ancestral listing a concept of “family” that is complicated and expansive. It is deeper and broader than biology and DNA or laws and technicalities.
Family is about those who truly give us life — spiritually, emotionally, against all odds and in the ways that matter most.
As you examine your relationships, how has your concept of family changed and evolved over time?
As you think expansively about family, who is a part of your lineage? Whose lineage are you a part of?
These are deep questions with specific answers. As the connections begin to form, what's one thing you can do to honor this family today?
(During Advent we'll be doing things a little differently. Our frames will be provided by five members of the leadership team at Juniper Formation. Learn more here.)
--Javon Bracy
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Share it with someone.