Matthew's birth narrative emphasizes Joseph's quiet obedience amidst uncertainty rather than celebration. Rather than acting from moral superiority, Joseph's righteous response embodies compassion despite limited understanding. His actions facilitate God's work, highlighting that obedience involves relinquishing power and creating space for new life, challenging traditional expectations during Advent.

* [Scripture quotations are taken from] the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://micahkrey.com/2025/12/15/matthew-118-25-4th-sunday-of-advent-december-21-2025/

The post explores John the Baptist's crisis of faith as he questions whether Jesus is the expected Messiah. Initially heralding a figure of judgment, John finds Jesus embodying mercy and restoration instead. This tension encourages reflection on human expectations versus divine reality, inviting acceptance of a Messiah who heals rather than conquers.

https://micahkrey.com/2025/12/08/matthew-112-11-3rd-sunday-of-advent-december-14-2025/

* [Scripture quotations are taken from] the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

In Advent, John the Baptist’s portrayal in Matthew is pivotal for understanding the transition from John's prophetic authority to Jesus. Matthew aims to address both insiders seeking control and outsiders needing hope. The prophetic message invites communal reorientation, emphasizing openness and transformation within the kingdom of heaven as it expands, challenging readers to avoid exclusivity.

https://micahkrey.com/2025/12/01/matthew-31-12-2nd-sunday-of-advent-december-7-2025/

* [Scripture quotations are taken from] the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.