18This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came aboutd : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yete did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,f because he will save his people from their sins.”
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”g (which means “God with us”).
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1)
Thoughts: Joseph was someone who wanted to please God. Perhaps that is why God chose him to be the foster-father of Jesus. He wanted to listen to God and do His will.
So Joseph thought that when Mary got pregnant he should break off their engagement. He was going to do this because he thought it was the right thing to do.
But Joseph had a special revelation from an angel. Tradition says it was the same angel that spoke to Mary and Zechariah about their births. Zechariah, however, doubts and was skeptical about the angel's message. Joseph was no skeptical but listened and obeyed. Later Joseph would protect Jesus from Herod by fleeing to Egypt as an immigrant/refugee.
Joseph is an example to all foster fathers, all fathers, and all people. He listened and he cared.
So Joseph thought that when Mary got pregnant he should break off their engagement. He was going to do this because he thought it was the right thing to do.
But Joseph had a special revelation from an angel. Tradition says it was the same angel that spoke to Mary and Zechariah about their births. Zechariah, however, doubts and was skeptical about the angel's message. Joseph was no skeptical but listened and obeyed. Later Joseph would protect Jesus from Herod by fleeing to Egypt as an immigrant/refugee.
Joseph is an example to all foster fathers, all fathers, and all people. He listened and he cared.
Prayer: May we too be faithful listeners to God. Thank you, Lord, for the example of Joseph.
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