Joseph Receives a Message in a Dream

Joseph was looking forward to marrying Mary.

He loved her and wanted to build a family with her.

But then he heard something he did not understand: Mary was expecting a baby.

Joseph did not yet know that this child had been conceived through a miracle of the Holy Spirit.

He felt worried.

What should he do?

Joseph was a good and fair man. He did not want to embarrass Mary or treat her unkindly.

He thought about ending their engagement quietly.

While he was looking for an answer, night came.

Joseph fell asleep.

And during his dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.

The angel knew his name and what was worrying him.

“Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby she is expecting comes from the Holy Spirit.”

Joseph listened.

This child did not mean that Mary had been unfaithful to him. He was part of God's promise.

“Mary will have a son,” the angel continued. “You will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus.

Joseph was to give that name to the baby.

Sins are the wrong things we do, things that lead us away from God and can hurt others.

Jesus would come to save us and bring us closer to God.

Long before, God had announced that a child would be born who would be called Immanuel.

That name means: God with us.

When Joseph woke up, he had an answer.

God had shown him what to do.

Joseph took Mary as his wife, just as the angel had told him.

Now they would share a very special responsibility.

They would care for the child. They would be beside him as he grew.

They would teach him God's words and stay close to him every day.

Joseph did not know everything that would happen. He did not know what difficulties they would face or where they would have to travel.

But he chose to trust the message he had received.

Mary had already said yes to God. Now Joseph did too.

Both were preparing to welcome Jesus.

Very soon, they would have to begin a journey.

A journey to a small town called Bethlehem.

The story of Jesus' birth will continue.