The prophet Jeremiah (prophesied between 626 - 586 B.C.) spoke about the raising up of a “...virtuous Branch {Messianic title-Is 4:2}... Who will reign as the true king...” (Jer 23:5). The prophet's prophecy was fulfilled in the drama of betrothal between a couple as narrated in Matthew’s Gospel! The virgin, Mary, conceived through the Holy Spirit, Jesus, “the One Who is to save His people from their sins.” In Jewish culture, a couple’s betrothal is to last for one year before they live together, though they are legally bound and regarded as “husband” and “wife”. Speculation is rife if the betrothed “was found to be with child”.

Jesus’ miraculous conception nearly led to the termination of the betrohal between Mary and Joseph. In his dilemma, Joseph was contemplating not wanting to divorce her publicly but “informally”. He had already “made up his mind” as to the course of action when an angel appeared in his dream and assured him that the child was holy, through divine conception. In utter obedience, Joseph “did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home”.

This event draws our attention to the fact that God has entered into the deepest desire of man and saved him from neglecting his true worth and duty. The salvific work of God has purified the desires of humanity, especially man, when faced with dilemmas. The decisions we make, do they reflect us as godly and noble?