<<Lesson 1 Lesson 3>>
Nine Lessons for Christmas
2. Joseph’s Decision
reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
this 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.
Joseph her husband,
since he was a righteous
yet unwilling to expose her to
decided to divorce her quietly.
Joseph was unwilling to make life difficult
Betrothal was the first part of
the marriage, constituting a man and woman as husband and wife.
Subsequent infidelity was considered adultery. The betrothal was followed
some months later by the husband’s taking his wife into his home, at which time
normal married life began.
According to the Book of
Deuteronomy, the penalty for proved adultery was death by stoning.
As a devout observer of the
Mosaic law, Joseph would have wished to break his union with someone he
suspected of gross violation of the law. Although Mosaic law does not
clearly pertain to Joseph’s situation, it is commonly said that the law
required him to do so.
The virginal conception of
Jesus is the work of the Spirit of God.
Jesus, thank you for sharing
the message of love. Help me to reflect your love with my family,
friends, and the people I meet.