The Spare Part

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 1:18

In many marriage arrangements throughout history, we can safely say that the bridegroom looked with eager anticipation to participating in the small part he had to play in the 'with child' bit. For Joseph, he was just a spare part in the process as someone had already taken care of his role in that. A moral dilemma ensued for this prospective groom. If he believes Mary's tale, then he probably should not attempt to marry a woman God has already claimed for Himself. If he does not believe the tale, incredible as it is, then he must either raise the child as his own and perhaps get to participate in the next one, or walk away from the marriage and shame Mary. 

There is of course no mystery for us in this tale as the story of Mary, Gabriel the angel, and God's Spirit are told in Luke's account of the Christmas story. The dreams of Joseph reassuring him and telling him what he must do will also soon be told. Joseph will have an important part to play, beginning with getting a quite pregnant Mary to Bethlehem in time for the birth of Jesus. 

Faith and comfort to you this day in Christ!

Bucky