Day 6: Joseph Hears the Angel in a Dream
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
Devotional:
Mary’s act of trust was coupled with Joseph’s. When Joseph, Mary’s fiance, found out that she was pregnant he was more than shocked. He loved her and this unexpected news was probably crippling. We read this story knowing the ending but imagine the first few hours of processing the news that the woman he loved and was about to marry was pregnant and he wasn’t the dad. Unexpected (probably unwanted) news. Yet, Joseph got a message from the Lord of his own and he had a choice to make. In a dream, God reassured Joseph, confirming that this was part of His divine plan and instructing Joseph to take Mary as his wife. Joseph’s willingness to listen, even in the face of potential criticism, reveals his deep faith. God may often speak to us in the midst of our trials or moments of confusion, asking us to trust Him and to see things from His perspective. Joseph’s response demonstrates that faith sometimes means obeying without fully understanding, choosing to trust in the character of the God who speaks to us in love.
Reflection Questions:
Have you experienced God’s peace or direction in difficult times?
How can you open your heart to hear God’s voice, especially in times of uncertainty?
Prayer Prompt:
Pray for an open heart to receive God’s peace and direction, especially when life feels confusing or overwhelming.