The story of Jesus’ coming to earth doesn’t say who told Joseph the disturbing news that Mary broke their marriage contract. His betrothed was pregnant, and he wasn’t the father. He could have taken advantage of the law that stated he should have her stoned to death for her infidelity (Deut 22:23–24), but he could not. And Joseph cared too much for Mary to disgrace her publicly, instead deciding on a private divorce. While he thought about these things, he fell asleep. An angel visited the troubled man in a dream, saying not to fear taking Mary as his wife because that which she conceived was of the Holy Ghost (Matt 1:20). His faithful betrothed would fulfill the prophecy of a virgin giving birth to a Son called Emmanuel, God with us. Joseph was to call his name Jesus. Then Joseph, “raised from sleep,” took Mary as his wife, but they didn’t know each other intimately until after Jesus’ birth. The Christmas story is heartwarming and reassuring that God keeps His promises.
Had Mary tried explaining to Joseph the truth of her
condition before the angel’s visit? We don’t know. But we do know he learned
the truth. What about us? Do we know as a fact the shocking and almost
unbelievable things we sometimes discover and think, What? Did we bother
to learn the truth, or did we share information about which we knew little or
nothing? People exaggerate—lie—to benefit their purposes, and the unsuspecting
with good intentions takes the bait, drawing faulty conclusions.
Gullible people seem compassionate or non-judgmental, but we believers must use our God-given wisdom when discerning truth. If someone other than Mary told Joseph about her condition, they didn’t have all the facts. But the Holy Spirit told Joseph the truth. We have the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to guide us into all truth if we let Him. Remember, people will exaggerate to benefit their purposes. Before you believe, repeat, and pass on shocking news you’ve read or heard, ask God for understanding. We need wisdom in dealing with trials we go through, and we certainly need it in everyday matters. God gives insight to those who ask in faith: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally. . .” (James 1:5). The fact that the Savior of the world has come is a truth we can assuredly pass on.
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