Lessons from Joseph on Jesus' birth
Matthew 1:18-20 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Joseph is an unsung hero in the story of Jesus but my focus today is on him. He was betrothed to Mary who was found to be pregnant of the saviour of the world. Since at the time when one was betrothed (engaged) to a woman, if there was any incidence of one not being faithful to their commitment by having sexual relations with someone else would mean death by stoning. On the outside it seemed as if Mary was unfaithful and needed to be stoned. ...