Gen 49:2,8-10
Mt 1:1-17
A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.
‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a phrase often heard in certain genres of movies/shows where a descendant of a good/evil patriarch has somehow gone against type and proven others wrong; yet, at the climax or end of the show, he reverts to the so-called ‘norm’ and does something that is typical, or reflects a trait which his good/evil patriarch would have possessed. Think Michael Corleone in ‘The Godfather’, Adonis Creed in ‘Creed’ or Leonardo Di Caprio’s character in ‘Gangs of New York’.
So whenever I come across today’s gospel, I find myself wondering about the ‘tree’ which Jesus would have ‘fallen’ from. Across the generations, there were murderers, adulterers, prostitutes and all manner of devious souls. Yet, from this brood comes Emmanuel, the light that is to save all mankind. In movie parlance, this ‘apple’ has surely fallen far, very far, from the tree. Could this man really be from the same stock/orchard? Will he, in a time of crisis, reveal his true self and prove the naysayers right so that they can turn around and say, “Aha! This apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree.”
On the contrary, as he expired, it was a centurion who said, “Truly, this man was the Son of God” (Mt 27:54; Mk 15:39).
Brothers and sisters, as we prepare for the coming of the infant Jesus, and as we ponder on His genealogy, let us consider that the ‘tree’ Jesus comes from is the ‘tree of Life’. And that regardless of family background, or who our ancestors were, each of us – sons and daughters of God – comes from the same ‘tree’ or ‘stock’. As Christians, we hail from the tree that produced the Son of God who came to us in human form and walked this earth.
I never really appreciated this until a recent conversation I had with one of my senior management members. I had bought him a farewell lunch and wanted to understand his motivation/decision to leave. When we spoke on finding purpose post-employment, I rattled off a few of the ministries I am involved in now. He was pleasantly taken aback and said, “Wow, it looks like you will have a fuller plate after you retire.” I simply nodded and smiled because indeed, I have been blessed by God with many opportunities to glorify Him through the ‘work’ that I do.
And over the years, I have begun to appreciate and discern more, the fruit that has been produced through the various ministries I am a part of. One example is my Sunday 7am choir, for which I am constantly amazed and grateful to be a part of. We are a ‘ragtag bunch’, ranging in age from early 30s to mid 60s, with some having served since they were in their teens, to a few of us who only joined post-COVID (2022 onwards).
This year, we are putting up a concert to raise funds for the building of another parish in Singapore. And we have been practising…HARD…to deliver our 18-song programme, around the theme ‘Find Us Ready’. Though we have also roped in a few other vocalists from other choirs, we have managed to work through the initial challenges of familiarity and organising everyone around a few practice dates. In 3 days’ time, we hope to be singing to a full auditorium (it can hold up to 330 persons) and simply having a jolly good time expressing our thanks to God for another year gone by.
Brothers and sisters, I ask for your fervent prayers that our concert transforms hearts and helps prepare those who come to welcome Jesus into their midst. And that the fruit borne shall be multiplied a thousandfold to spread His Word.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Abba Father, you who created us in your image and likeness and who call us to glorify your name each and every day. Grant us perseverance and fortitude as we labour and toil in your vineyard, to produce fruit that is worthy of offering to you.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for the gifts and talents that you so freely and generously give to us in order to glorify your name.
OXYGEN 
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