Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)
The birth of Jesus begins not with celebration, but with confusion. Mary is found to be pregnant, and Joseph knows the child is not his. Before angels, shepherds, or wise men enter the story, we meet a man facing disappointment, fear, and shattered expectations.
Joseph’s response is striking. Though hurt and bewildered, he chooses compassion. Matthew tells us he was “faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace.” Even before divine clarification, Joseph’s character reflects mercy. Sometimes faith shows up first not in certainty, but in kindness.
Then God intervenes. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing that this unexpected pregnancy is not a mistake, but a miracle. The child is from the Holy Spirit, and His name will be Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins.” What looked like a problem to be solved is revealed as God’s plan of salvation unfolding.
This moment fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means “God with us.” Not God distant. Not God waiting for things to be perfect. But God enters human messiness, confusion, and vulnerability.
Joseph’s faith is proven not by his understanding, but by his obedience. When he wakes, he does exactly what the angel commanded. He takes Mary as his wife and embraces the role God has given him, even though it likely cost him reputation, comfort, and control.
This passage reminds us that God often works through situations that don’t make sense at first. He invites us, like Joseph, to trust Him beyond our understanding. Jesus comes into the world quietly, humbly, and unexpectedly—yet He comes as God with us, right in the middle of our broken stories.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can we show compassion to each other in this holiday season?
- Have you ever felt God close to you?
- Have you ever experienced something that has left you in awe?
Prayer:
Dear God,
As we are in the season of Advent,
Let us experience your signs and wonders.
Lead us closer to You,
So we can be inspired by You.
Bless the Advent season.
Amen
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