Mt 1:18-25
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,/ and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
Reflection
As the angel of the Lord had commanded: In ancient Jewish patriarchal society, the child may be abandoned if the father refuses to declare him as his child. In view of Mary’s irregular conception, she too may be put in danger of death penalty if Joseph refuses to take her as his wife. Thus, Joseph’s paternal acceptance of the child Jesus and his consent to marry Mary are crucial in salvation history.
Biblical scholars suggest that Joseph decides to separate himself from Mary not due to suspicions of infidelity but due to the Jewish propensity to keep a safe distance from the Almighty’s activity. Joseph knows in his heart that God is involved. Adultery is out of the question since she is transparently faithful to God’s commandments. The evangelist calls Joseph “a righteous man” (v 19). This means that he lives in conformity with God’s will by faithful observance of God’s commandments, expectantly waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises, recognizing God’s work in daily life, and distancing himself from God when he knows that he has no definite role in God’s activity so as not to hinder God. But the angelic dream changes everything. Joseph consents to the divine decision for life—he accepts both Jesus and Mary. Joseph’s response paves the way for the first Christmas celebration. He complements Mary’s response to God’s call.