Thurs., Dec. 17: Gen 49:2, 8-10; Matt 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Israel’s history was filled with promise. God promised Abraham countless descendants, a people who would be the source of blessing to all nations. In renewing the covenant with David, God also promised that David’s royal line would be without end. Matthew illustrates how Israel’s history reaches its climax with the fulfillment of all of God’s promises in Jesus — the One through whom all peoples find blessing, the One whose reign is without end. We are the people of God’s promise. When Christ’s love reigns in our hearts, we become instruments of God’s blessing to the world. We pray today: O Wisdom, come, teach us the way of prudence!

*For hope in God’s promises, we pray.