Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and 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 be with child and will 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 had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew’s Gospel records the announcement of the birth of our Lord and Savior to his earthly father. I try to imagine the state of mind of Joseph before the angel appeared to him. The purpose of a betrothal was to make sure the woman/wife was not pregnant before the marriage, and Joseph had learned that Mary was indeed with child. The sense of betrayal and humiliation he must have felt must have been overwhelming. How could she do this to him? He just wanted it all to go away. He would divorce her quietly.

It was then the angel came 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.”

I’m sure Joseph still had plenty of questions, but we are told that that Joseph believed the message God sent him through the angel and did what he was told. He gave this child entrusted to his care the name Jesus, the name that described what He would do: save His people from their sins. That is why He came.

Lord, give us the ability to be as accepting of Your Word of truth as Joseph was.

Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring, Came with peace from realms on high;
Jesus came for man’s redemption, Lowly came on earth to die;
Alleluia! Alleluia! Came in deep humility

Jesus comes again in mercy When our hearts are bowed with care;
Jesus comes again in answer To an earnest, heartfelt prayer;
Alleluia! Alleluia! Comes to save us from despair.

 Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, Bringing news of sins forgiv’n;
Jesus comes in sounds of gladness, Leading souls redeemed to heav’n.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Now the gate of death is riv’n.

Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, Shares alike our hopes and fears;
Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us, Glads our hearts and dries our tears.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Cheering e’en our failing years.

Jesus comes on clouds triumphant When the heavens shall pass away;
Jesus comes again in glory. Let us, then, our homage pay,
Alleluia! ever singing Till the dawn of endless day.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #56)