The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—’God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” …Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream. – Matthew 1:18 – 21, 24

Joseph was a good man. At first, he had not wanted to care for a child that was not his own, but when he learned that Jesus was the child of God, Joseph agreed to do God’s will.

It took a lot of courage to change his plans when God’s messenger told him to let go of fear and take Mary as his wife.

The great heroes of our faith are like Joseph, ordinary people who were willing to do what God wants, no matter what the cost to themselves. May we listen to God’s messengers in our own lives and faithfully do what God asks.

Today’s Prayer
Holy Spirit, you speak to our hearts through Scripture and through the example of the good people in our lives. Help us to listen to your voice and do as you ask. Amen.