Advent: 15 Days to Go

In this installment of our Christmas adventure, Mary’s betrothed husband Joseph learns of Mary’s pregnancy and receives an angelic visit...

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
--Matthew 1:18-25 KJV Bible

Although Joseph and Mary were not yet married, the Jewish period of engagement, or betrothal, was so sacred that the couple was by custom considered as if they were already married. When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he apparently doubted Mary’s explanation that the child was God’s Son. According to custom, it seemed that Joseph’s only recourse was to give Mary the equivalent of a bill of divorcement. This was normally done in a public manner, to the shame of the bride and her family. In essence, the man would public state, “This woman is not my wife; I am not her husband. But rather than this, Joseph considered quietly “putting her away,” which observed the custom in the most respectful and non-pubic manner for all involved.

Before Joseph could make a decision, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel addressed Joseph as a son of David--possibly to remind Joseph of that one thing that all families of David’s line desired to hear: they were to be blessed with the child that would revive the throne of David. The angel did share this news with Joseph and also explained how it came about--by the power of the Holy Spirit. While Joseph was excited about this news, he also knew that there were public appearances and rumors to be considered. Joseph therefore immediately took Mary into his home as his wife, an act that was very considerate of the reputation of Mary and the honor of her family. In Joseph’s thought pattern we can see both a knowledgeable and respectful man--and excellent earthly father for the Son of God.

Next time, Jesus is born in Bethlehem...

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