An accepting father

The original Christmas story did not happen in an atmosphere of "heavenly peace" that resounds in Christmas carols.

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On the contrary, the birth of the Messiah disrupts the lives of characters associated with it. Mary, a young girl betrothed to Joseph, is told that she would bear a child, but not through her husband. She consents to bear the Son of the Most High, not knowing where this mystery will lead her. How will she tell Joseph that her pregnancy is not due to her infidelity to him? Her pregnancy becomes visible to Joseph with the passing of weeks. This finds Joseph in a quandary. As a "righteous" man, that is, faithful in observing the Law of Moses, there is no other way but to divorce her. Joseph seeks an answer to the unsettling question of Mary's pregnancy as well as a way out of what he perceives as a difficult situation.

God does not leave the two young people hanging in the air for long. The angel is sent to reveal to Joseph the mystery that is taking place in Mary. She is to be the mother of the Messiah. Joseph is invited to take Mary home as his wife, and when the Child in her womb comes into the world, he should give it the name: "Jesus." In other words, God entrusts to Joseph the responsibilities of an earthly father as regards Mary's Son.