Matthew 1:18-25

So, while momentous things are happening to Mary and Elizabeth, what is happening to poor Joseph. He has a lot to deal with!

Our secular culture has a very different attitude to marriage compared to the biblical view. Many choose to forego the formal public declarations of a marriage covenant. As we have already discussed betrothal was very different for Mary and Joseph. They were considered ‘married’ but not living together; so, for Mary to be pregnant means she has been unfaithful. Rather than bring her to public shame Joseph decides to deal with this quietly and divorce her.

So, God intervenes and answers his distress in a dream, the angel re-iterating what Luke has told us, that Mary’s baby is the Son of God, conceived (created) by the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth is a difficult concept for the modern world to accept, it is seen as foolish to believe it. God, however, works in the supernatural realm as we have seen already several times in this story. Creation is a miracle, resurrection is a miracle and so is the conception of God’s Son.

‘Perhaps the strongest theological argument for the necessity of the virginal conception is that in this way we see that it is God alone who has done all that is necessary for salvation. ……we have contributed nothing to the coming of Jesus among us. Jesus is God’s gift to us. Our salvation is entirely of the grace of God.’[1]

Joseph is often in the background of the Christmas story, but he pays a vital role. He is just, kind and obedient to God. He stands with Mary through a very difficult time. He is the earthly father to Jesus and would have taught him about the Jewish faith and God his Father. The baby will be called Jesus meaning ‘God saves’. Every part of this plan for salvation comes from God alone.

Reflection

Are there people in your world now or in the past who have played a significant role in your journey of faith but are perhaps unseen? Why not take a moment to thank God for them, pray for them and if possible send them a message (letter, card, email) and thank them for what they have done.

[1] Paul Beasley Murray, Joy to the World, (Intervarsity Press, Leicester , 2005) p.27