A Strange Way to Save the World

. . . Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. . .An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. . . 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. -Matthew 1:18, 20-21
 
 Joseph was a man of incredible character. He could have - and planned to - quietly divorce Mary. Instead, he didn't worry about his reputation and obeyed the angel's command. By taking Mary for his wife, he accepted God's plan instead of his own. 
In doing this, he also agreed to be the earthly father to the Son of God. He chose to make a home for Jesus. He was among the first to call Jesus by name. He was privileged to hold the baby Jesus and care for Him as He grew into manhood. 
Joseph's faith and obedience make him a wonderful role model. I love his story.

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