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Stories from the Book Itself

The Birth of Jesus Part 2 (Matthew 1:18-25)

In this story, the man who Mary has promised to marry finds out about her unborn baby. God sends an angel to tell him what God is doing with his wife-to-be.

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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “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.”

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son. And he called his name JESUS.

(Matthew 1:18-25)

Words that may be new:
espoused: to have promised to marry someone, to be engaged to marry.
Holy Ghost: This is an old name for the Holy Spirit.
privily: privately or secretly.
virgin: a person who has not had a relationship that would produce children.

Explanation of Ancient Marriage Customs.
The marriage customs in this story may be different than those in your country. People agreed to be married or were espoused before they actually began living together. While they were not fully married, the agreement was very strong. It could only be ended by a divorce. Sometimes divorce is called "putting away."

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