And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus (Matt. 1:24-25).The angel’s visit to Joseph in a dream made all the difference. When he woke up, Joseph appears to have been immediately committed to following God’s directive. The confusion, sadness and possibly anger produced by Mary’s pregnancy and filling his heart before he went to sleep that night were replaced by a purposeful resolve marked by obedience, sacrifice and love. Joseph “kept her a virgin until she gave birth.” For him, God’s plan was pre-eminent. For Joseph, Mary’s need came before his desire. Joseph had a great responsibility he was committed to fulfilling. Months later when this Son who was not his own was born, Joseph named Him with the name revealed to him in a dream – Jesus.
Song: “Jesus, Name Above All Names”
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