Matthew 1:20,21 “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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Joseph was an honorable man and loved the Lord. When Mary told him that she was pregnant, it shocked him and did not settle well with him. He began thinking about getting a divorce. Even though they were not actually married – only engaged – in Jewish culture of the day you could only break off an engagement with a divorce.
Joseph knew that divorcing her might save his reputation, but Mary would probably be stoned. In fact, they both could have been legally stoned because of it.
In order to save the day, an angel was sent to Joseph to prevent a divorce – and worse. The angel explained the situation and how she became pregnant to Joseph. He also declared Who the Child was and why he needed to proceed with the marriage.
The angel, his name is not mentioned, said that Mary’s situation is in fulfillment of a prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). The angel then quotes the specific verse and revealed that her Child is God in human form: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
In addition to His being God in the flesh, the angel also mentions what this Child will later do as an adult: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Note that His main purpose for coming was not to be a Good Teacher – although He was; or just to do good works – although He did; or to start a new organization (the church) – which He did. His primary purpose for coming was to die for the sins of the world. He is foremost a Savior!
The Bible indicates that, since Joseph was already awake, that he immediately took Mary as his wife. The Bible also mentions that the couple did not have normal marital relations until after Christ was born. Later on, the couple would have several other children together, according to Matthew 6:3.
Christ’s goal in coming was to save the world from their sins. He could only do this by dying on the cross to pay the price that everyone owes to God – because we all have sinned! Do you know Him yet as your personal Savior? Isn’t it time – before it is too late?