“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph, her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”  Matthew 1:18-19

 Joseph was a simple man, a carpenter.  He was also a direct descendent of King David and the rightful King in Israel, but no one knew it.  No one in the insignificant town of Nazareth had any idea that Joseph was of the kingly line of Judah and should have been king in Jerusalem!  Instead, he was chosen by God for the most honored “dad” job in the universe – to be the stepfather to the Son of God!

Joseph was betrothed to a young virgin named Mary.  Their betrothal was not like today.  They were legally bound to each other and he could only put her away through divorce.  Imagine Joseph’s heartache when he learned his pure and godly young fiancé was pregnant!  Her seeming betrayal must have rocked his world!  How could she do this?  Who was the man?  It’s likely her father would have come to him with this shocking news!  Three months pregnant!  What would he do now?

If word of her pregnancy got out, both of them would be publicly humiliated.  He could demand justice.  The penalty for promiscuity during the betrothal period was stoning to death!  The only other alternative was divorce as the arrangement was legally binding.  What would he do…stoning or divorce?  He “pondered” this in his heart.  At that point…he could have turned and walked away. 

As he considered all these things, an angel appeared in a dream with incredible news!  “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph, son of David – he was reminded he was of the royal line!  He would have a son conceived by the Holy Spirit!  Can you imagine this news?  God, not Joseph, would name this baby “Jesus – Jehoshua!”  “The Lord Saves,” his name told His mission! Savior! “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”1 Timothy 1:15  The child’s birth was a fulfillment of prophecy explaining not only why He was coming, but that He was “God with us!”  God was in the womb of Mary!

Good news, Joseph!  Mary had not been unfaithful, they could get married after all!  Amazing news!  The baby was God in human flesh.  No message more incredible, but who would believe it?  How could he explain it?  Such a story would be seen as absurd, he would be branded a fool for believing such nonsense.  He could have turned and walked away…

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave Him the name Jesus,” Matthew 1:24-25.  Joseph’s obedience came at a cost. He believed God’s message and received the Presence of Jesus!  You can become His child, be welcomed into the family of God by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Don’t turn and walk away!

“As many as received Him, to those who believed on His Name, He gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12.  And that’s the greatest Christmas gift anyone could ever receive!

Your friend, Jean