18 Now tho birth of Jesus Christ ■was ou this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was fouud 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 unlo thee Mary thy wife : for that which is conceived in her is of thQ Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a eon, 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, say- ing,
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.
These verses begin by telling us two great truths. They tell us how the Lord Jesus Christ took our nature upon Him, and became man. They tell us also that His birth was miraculous. His mother Mary was a virgin.
These are very mysterious subjects. They are depths, which we have no line to fathom. They are truths, which we have not mind enough to comprehend. Let us not attempt to explain things which are above our feeble reason. Let us be content to believe with reverence, and not speculate about matters which we cannot understand. Enough for us to know, that with Him who made the world nothing is impossible. Let us rest in the words of the Apostles' Creed : " Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary."
Let us observe the conduct of Joseph described in these verses. It is a beautiful example of godly wisdom, and tender consideration for others. He saw the " appear- ance of evir' in her who was his espoused wife. But he did nothing rashly. He waited patiently to have the