“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:18-21)
At Christmas time we remember that Jesus was born to a virgin, a truth which is difficult for many to accept these days. But we who are believers accept it and profess it every time we recite our creed. To us it is not a myth or legend. It is a truth that is a cornerstone of our faith.
The Word of God tells us that Mary told Joseph she was pregnant with a child by the Holy Spirit. If he knew Mary, this would have created great confusion in his mind, for she must have been a young woman of impeccable purity. Nevertheless, the thought of divorce crossed his mind. He had every right since he wasn’t the father. Besides, he did not have to make a big show of it. After all, if he loved Mary he would not want to do anything to hurt her or expose her to public ridicule. He could divorce her privately so few would know of her shame. But this created another dilemma: divorce would still have brought her shame and humiliation as an unwed mother.
The scripture tells us that Joseph was a righteous man who wanted to do the right thing, to obey God’s law. Because He was a righteous and godly man, he was close to the Lord, religious, devout, patient, compassionate. He knew God’s voice so that when he had that angelic dream he had no doubt that the message was from the Lord. He knew that God was guiding him in this dream.
Joseph knew the consequences of obedience. He knew he was in for a rough time, yet he had faith in the Lord. He knew God well enough to know that no matter what the cost to him, abuse, pain, misunderstanding, scorn and heartache, He would enable him to carry out His plan. As God’s willing servant, he would respond as Mary did “Be it unto me according to your word.” Joseph heard the voice of the Lord and he obeyed immediately. Would that we would be as ready to obey as we hear the voice of God, not in an angelic dream, but from His Holy Word speaking through the church.
May the Lord bless you with His mercy and grace at this holy time of Christmas.