And Other Reflections On Christmas
[Mary's] husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to
expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
But just when he had resolved to do this, 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, for the child conceived
in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are
to name him Jesus ..." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of
the Lord commanded him; he took [Mary] as his wife (Matthew 1:19-
21, 24).