Matthew 1
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
It is written of how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. Jesus came to save people from their sin. Sin is the big problem. We should not go back to our sin, for He came to save us from sin. Mary was a pure virgin and totally surrendered to the Lord. Mary and Joseph were betrothed and they didn’t come together or visit each other. At a Jewish engagement, there was a cup that they both drank from. Then they were separate and the man would go a prepare a place (dwelling) for her. It is not like today where a girl is already pregnant and the white dress and veil are only hypocritical. Joseph, however, trusted Mary and it was a big shock to him when he heard that she was “with child” but what had happened to Mary was not sinful. In this situation she kept it a secret and didn’t blurt it out to everyone. She bowed to God’s awesome sovereignty and remained humble and obedient. It was difficult but she kept it to herself and asked that it would be done to her as the Lord wanted it to be. In the same way it was a crisis for Joseph. He had trusted her but when he found out he didn’t just do as he thought. He waited on the Lord and God showed him that he should take Mary as his wife. Joseph was honourable and had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. He too bowed to God’s awesome sovereignty and was obedient every step of the way.
A great light came into Mary and Joseph’s life. It is Jesus within that gives a person victory over sin. At the inn, however, there was no room for Him. God sent His son to save you and me. People should have given up their place in the inn for Him for this indescribably great salvation that He would bring about for every person. There was a baby in swaddling clothes in a dirty stable filled with animals but the shepherds recognised that it was the Messiah who forgives and cleanses “whiter than snow” and saves us from an immoral spirit and all manner of sin.