December 11, 2024
“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.” (Matthew 1:20–21, niv)
When I stepped outside, the wind bit into my layers of high-tech clothes to let me know that winter was dominating the season. My initial shivering was out of respect. I pulled down my hat, cinched up my coat, and thrust my already-gloved hands deep into my pockets. Then, I turned west and started my brisk morning walk.
A striking nativity scene on a snow-covered lawn caught my eye. A manger cradled the baby Jesus. Mary was showering her motherly love over the newborn. Shepherds were watching.
What made me smile was the figure on the perimeter of this historic gathering. As quiet as he was in the biblical account, Joseph is observing the scene. But he is a hero that makes the Christmas story come to life.
As a very young man, poor by any economic standards, his greatest joy in life was to be pledged to Mary as her husband. According to the customs of his culture, they would be apart for a year. This would be the unequivocal proof of the purity of the bride.
Then came the devastating news. Sometime before the betrothal year was completed, Mary was found to be with child. Joseph was devastated.
Joseph was in agony. He decided to divorce Mary quietly. Then, the angel of the Lord commanded him in a dream to take Mary as his wife without fear: “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” (Matthew 1:20–21).
The virgin birth was key to the Christmas prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). Joseph, a righteous man, was able to witness this miracle by being obedient to the angel’s command. He is a hero of the prophetic virgin birth.
Dr. Bruce W. Fong
(1952–2022)