Angels We Have Heard on HighSample

Joseph’s sleep was fitful. Even in his dreams, he couldn’t escape the reality that recent events had changed his life forever. His betrothed bride, Mary, was with child, and he knew he wasn’t the father. Shock and heartache overwhelmed him. He couldn’t wrap his mind around the news that the Mary he thought he knew could do such a thing. Joseph had trusted her character and believed she was pure and upright in her walk before God, but now this news ruined their future together.

Knowing she had been unfaithful, he knew he couldn’t marry her. But what should he do? The law allowed for stoning, but Joseph didn’t want her to suffer more shame. The only option would be to break their betrothal and put her away quietly.

Suddenly, something, or was it someone, broke through his dreams. The haze of his dream state became clear as day. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and spoke, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear taking Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The angel explained that this pregnancy fulfilled prophecy. The Savior would be born of a virgin, and his name would mean “God with us.” The angel’s message clarified that Mary hadn’t been unfaithful—in fact, her faithfulness brought about this unplanned and unfathered pregnancy.

Joseph sat straight up in bed, his heart beating out of his chest. The following day, he made haste to do as the angel had said, and he went to Mary and brought her into his home. They became husband and wife, except they did not consummate their marriage until after Mary’s delivery.

We can only imagine what it must have been like to be Jesus’ earthly father. Like Mary, Joseph was from the line of David and had royal lineage. But he couldn't fathom that God the Father placed him in the role of earthly father to the sinless Son of God. If ever there was an intimidating role to fill, it must have been Joseph’s! But the Lord was faithful in providing for Joseph and leading him as he led his family.

Angels often intervened in Joseph’s dreams as he led his young family to safety. Each time, Joseph obediently followed their commands, even leaving in haste in the middle of the night to flee to Egypt when Herod sought to kill Jesus.

While Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ biological father or his perfect heavenly Father, he faithfully raised Jesus as his son. I imagine Joseph would recall the angel's message whenever he felt inadequate or unworthy of parenting Jesus. His role in the birth and care of Jesus was important, too. God had chosen him to nurture, protect, and provide for his Son. Jesus grew up as a tender plant under Joseph’s care, and it was Joseph’s privilege to watch him grow. “God with us” was with Joseph, leading and guiding him as a father, and “God with us” grew up right before his eyes. Behold the wondrous mystery of Christmas!

Joseph tenderly cared for Jesus like a tender plant, and the Old Testament pointed to the Messiah as a shoot that would come up from the stump of Jesse. Jesus’ royal lineage begins in the garden and weaves through the Old Testament. Discover God's Big Plan of Redemption this Advent with a free 24-day Jesse Tree Family Advent Devotional.

Your family will enjoy working through this resource together, aiming to point our hearts to Jesus, the root of Jesse, who has come! Download your free resource here: https://cara-ray.com/jesse-tree-family-advent-devotional/