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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Comment: I have dealt with a number of unexpected pregnancies! Two cases seem very relevant to this story. The two are – a man who married believing that he was marrying a virgin only to find her pregnant to another person; and a family that had to deal with a young pregnant teenage daughter. Joseph was betrothed (engaged) to Mary, that is a binding legal agreement but sexual intercourse was not permitted until after the marriage ceremony. No doubt sexual relations did occasionally happen between some betrothed couples (according to my reading). Joseph was very honourable and knew that the pregnancy could not be his child. What was he going to do? On the other hand if he talked with Mary, which I would think was very possible but is not certain, what would he think of her explanation. Obviously, if they had talked Joseph didn’t believe her, and planned to quietly divorce her, no doubt to save his name from slander! It appears that an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. There are many angels to be met as we cover this Christmas story. Are angels real? If not the Bible is full of fairy stories! I personally do believe that they exist and a number of things have occurred in my life which some would put down to coincidence but because of my experiences of walking in the Jesus Way I am convinced strongly indicate, and to me prove, Divine intervention. At any rate believing in God makes any believer acknowledge that there is another very real world which is not seen (often) with human eyes! Not seen but involves rubbing shoulders with that world!
Hebrews 13: 2 – Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Prayer: Thank You God that You are very involved in our world, and in my life!
As I read it! 