Matthew 1:16
"and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah."

Joseph and Mary were engaged. In the Hebrew culture this was the first of three steps in the marriage process. This engagement is basically an arrangement to be married. This could have taken place very early in their lives, even as small children. Engagement was usually arranged by the parents. Espousal followed this arrangement period and lasted about a year in the case where the couple are of age. This espousal stage was considered to be marriage to a certain degree, but the couple were set apart to prepare themselves for full consummation and so they were kept apart sexually. In fact the father kept tokens of his daughter's virginity in case any questions arose later on. It was at this point that "it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18b)

Joseph was a righteous man, a Nazarene, a descendent of David. And he didn't want to disgrace Mary and open her up to being made a public example and possibly stoned to death. Secretly he planned to quietly divorce her, but The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and explained for him that Mary was indeed made pregnant while still a virgin, fulfilling the word of God in regard to the prophecy in (Isaiah 7:14) about the coming Messiah.

Matthew 1:23
"See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

For today I want to stop here and think a little more into this moment of concern and deeply troubling thoughts that Joseph was experiencing about his young, betrothed wife.

Many soon-to-be parents, especially the mothers, have told tales of dreams in which they can see the face of their child. I would imagine that the experience of seeing your unborn child's face in a dream can be profound and deeply emotional. I imagine it's rooted in subconscious feelings; hopes, fears, and expectations related to life and potential future success or concerns. I suppose your mind is painting pictures that reflect your thoughts. The coming of a baby is transformational and can deeply change both the mother and the father. I'd go so far as to say that it's a life-changing experience that cannot be replicated in any other way in the life and times of a human being. So it's no great leap to imagine the life-changing turmoil that was going on in the hearts and minds and dreams of both Mary and Joseph.

Dreaming in many cultures, is seen as a connection to the spiritual realm. In this case we're not confused at all about this, both Joseph and Mary are experiencing the trans-dimensional effects of a divine interaction (aka a spiritual connection, ascending to heavenly places). In the case of Joseph I find his heavenly ascendancy very interesting. He is visited by "The Angel of The Lord". This is interesting because very often throughout the Old Testament there are Christophanies, instances in which Jesus appears to various people, or in various situations prior to his advent as Jesus the man in the gospels. In these instances, the scripture refers to this visitation as The Angel of The Lord. The scriptural use of the definite article “the” is specifying a very unique being, separate from the other angels. Often in these appearances the person being visited expresses having "seen the Lord". And it's very interesting to me to note that “the angel of the Lord” is never mentioned in the New Testament after the birth of Christ.

So here we are, Joseph has been busily trying to sort things out. Joseph has tried to resolve a crisis by virtue of his own wisdom, the wisdom of a God-fearing, compassionate, righteous man. And he's probably exhausted by it, and so he falls into a troubled sleep filled with dreams about all his concerns. Then he escapes that dreamscape, and is transported now into the heavenly presence of the Angel of The Lord. Think about the implications of what that means. Earlier I talked about the possibility that mothers dream about their unborn children, but do you realize that Joseph is being visited by his adopted son Jesus. A Christophany of a different sort. His coming stepson visits him in a dream and tells him...

1. Don't be afraid to continue with your marriage to Mary.
2. The baby growing in her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
3. Mary will bear a son.
4: Name the son "Jesus."
5: The son will save his people from their sins.

The "Angel's" message is clear, this "crisis" is of God's own making. Joseph planned to quietly, and compassionately divorce Mary, who was apparently pregnant by another, but the next day he takes steps to bring her home as his wife, so the child will be seen to be his own and avoid the public scandal of adultery.

What changed?

Could you make that decision?

Would a dream transform your concerns, fears, and anger over this situation?

Joseph believes the Angel of The Lord and sets out to build a future for the child who had visited him in a dream. He takes on the responsibility of raising this Holy Child as his own.

Matthew 1:24
"When Joseph woke up, he did as the Angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife."
(vs 25) "And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son"

In every way holiness and faithfulness are expressed here. Joseph does not consummate his marriage with Mary until after Jesus is born. And verse 25 puts to bed the idea of a lifelong virgin mother Mary. And that's fine and good and holy. There is no reason to get stuck in the weeds about Mary's blessedness. The fact that Yahweh has made her pregnant by the power of The Holy Spirit is enough to make this situation holy. No artificial antigravity needs to be given to lift her up.

Joseph teaches us about mercy and grace. As does Mary. Together this young couple shows us resounding faith and faithfulness. A living faith. A profound connection with the Holy One, and a deeply abiding faith.

May we all learn faith as did this young couple.
God bless and see you next time.