When God became man: Joseph's obedient response

"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 awoke, Joseph apparently was immediately committed to following God's directive. Love, obedience and sacrifice replaced the confusion, sadness and possibly anger produced by Mary's pregnancy that filled his heart before he slept that night.

Joseph "kept her a virgin until she gave birth." For Joseph, God's plan was pre-eminent. God's will and 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 called Him the name revealed to him in a dream -- Jesus.