“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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
Can you imagine Joseph’s anguish? He was emotionally crushed. He felt betrayed. He imagined all sorts of embarrassing problems for his family. He would never be able to hold his head up in public again. His whole life was destroyed . . . his dream gone. And he loved Mary so much!
While thinking about Mary’s news and what to do about it, Joseph has not considered that her pregnancy might be a gift from the Holy Spirit. Although, because of his own character, he has decided that he will not embarrass Mary with a public divorce. His grief and anguish are exhausting, and in his deliberations he falls asleep. During his nap, he dreams and meets the Lord’s messenger who explains the situation to him. First, he should not fear going ahead with his marriage to Mary. Second, the pregnancy is not an adulterous sin by Mary, but a work of the Holy Spirit. Third, Mary’s baby will be a boy which shall be named Jesus, who will save people from sin. And fourth, all this was done by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the word of the Lord, who, through the prophets, had said that Emmanuel would come.
As you might well imagine, the message was so powerful that Joseph was jolted awake. Understanding the Lord’s will, Joseph immediately went to Mary and publicly accepted her as his wife. By this action, Joseph obeyed God and effectively protected Mary from all public embarrassment. In addition, he abstained from sexual contact with Mary thus protecting the work of God that was occurring in her body. And when the boy was born, Joseph again obeyed God and named him Emanuel Jesus – God the Savior is with us.
Dear Father, we glorify you for the birth of our Savior. Forgive us our sin and empower us to live to your glory. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the presence of God the Savior,