'Joseph son of David'

Your delight to be home is short-lived, however. As Luke helps you from the cart, your parents rush to greet you. Once they come closer, however, they stop short. You can see the horror in your mother's eyes; the grief in your father's.


"Mother, I can explain." You reach your hands out to her, but she shrinks back.
"How could you? You, who are betrothed to Joseph. My daughter......." she breaks off, sobbing.
You turn your eyes to Father. His lips drawn tight, he shakes his head. "What have you to say for yourself?"

Two hours later, you sit in front of your parents and Joseph. Your sweaty hands are clasped in your lap as you try to convince them of the angel's message.

"....and then the angel said that Elizabeth would be having a child!!! He told the truth, Mother." You pause, overcome by emotion. "And so have I."
Mother rises, her hands raised to the ceiling. "Do you realize, Mary, that you could be stoned for this? If Joseph chooses to, he could press charges against you." She presses her hand to her mouth. "I cannot believe you would be this thoughtless."

"But Mother, I'm telling the truth! You have to believe me----you have to believe the angel!"
"That's enough, Mary." Your father's voice is stern.
You fall silent, waiting. Finally, Joseph stands.
"Mary, you have indeed hurt me. However, I will accept this child as my own." He looks down at you, his eyes calm. "You need not fear, Mary. I will not press charges."
You breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Joseph."
He nods, then leaves. You watch him go, thankful for such a righteous man.

The next day, you walk to the well alone. By this time, word has gotten out. Your friends walk away from the well once they see you, and even women you love turn their backs on you. Fighting tears, you begin to draw the water.

Suddenly, you hear someone yelling your name. Turning, you see Joseph sprinting toward you. Oh no, has he changed his mind? Does Joseph really want me stoned?

Joseph finally reaches you, his breath short. "Mary, I must speak with you. Alone," he adds, glancing at the other women.
You nod, pick up the jar, and lead him to the olive grove. "Will this do?" you ask.
Joseph nods. "First, I must apologize for not believing you yesterday."
Your heart leaps. "What do you mean?"
Taking a deep breath, Joseph begins.

"I was in bed, thinking over all that you had said. I decided that I would marry you, then quietly divorce you."
You gasp, and he grimaces. "Please, wait. I have more to say.
I had decided all of this when, out of nowhere, comes this flash of light. I look up, and there is an angel standing at the foot of my bed. I could not speak, I was so shocked. Then, the angel said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'"

Your head spinning, you grab Joseph's hand. "Then you believe me?"
Joseph laughs. "How can I not? An angel appeared to me in a dream! I'd say that is pretty good proof."
You can feel tears beginning to form in your eyes. "Thank you, Joseph. Thank you so much."
He squeezes your hand. "We will be married, and we will name our son Jesus, just as the angel said."

Your heart feels light as air. Joseph said our son. He is not going to divorce me! He believes me!


to be continued.....