Bible story · Part 2 of 7 · 4 min
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. A promise to marry is a very serious commitment. Because they were not married yet, they were not yet living together as husband and wife.
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, without humiliating her in front of other people.
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.
Now Joseph understood: this pregnancy was the miracle God had announced. The child was part of his 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: to forgive our sins, help us turn away from wrong, 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.
Adapted from Matthew 1:18–24.
Talk about it together
- Kindness
- Responsibility
- Care
A verse to remember
“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”
Proverbs 15:28NKJV
- What did Joseph do after hearing the angel’s message in his dream?
- Why did he need an answer after hearing news he did not understand?
- How can you treat someone kindly before you understand what happened?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
Ask Before Judging
A grown-up says, “A toy is not where you left it.” The child practices asking, “Do you know where it is?” instead of blaming someone. Together, suggest two possible explanations: perhaps it was put away or left in another room. Switch roles and try again. Remember that Joseph chose to treat Mary kindly while trying to understand what had happened.
Try it today: I can seek an explanation without embarrassing or immediately blaming someone else.
More stories with these values
Activities for this story
Play online or print materials for home, classroom, and family.
“Righteous” describes someone who wants to do what is right. “Wicked” describes someone who turns away from God and his ways. We can think before answering, as Joseph did.