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He Took Her Home

December 8th, 2025

Matthew 1:18-25.    

Joseph’s life was shattering in his hands. His betrothed wife, Mary, was pregnant. How? Who? She had hurried off to visit family in Jerusalem with hardly a word. Gone three months, she returned. The whispers started.

Joseph was a man of substance, a skilled worker with a reputation to protect. His family traced their line through King David back to Abraham. Mary was from a priestly family. In the small village of Nazareth, they came from respectable people.

Yet, there was the law. The Mosaic code set severe penalties for adultery and rape (Deuteronomy 22:22-29). If Joseph accused Mary, there would be an inquiry. There would be talk. Joseph pondered how to divorce her “quietly.” He still wanted to protect Mary.

Sleep came with difficulty. It is hard to turn off a brain in turmoil. An angel appeared in his dream, and said, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 1:20). God knew Joseph’s heart. His questions were all answered. This was a God thing. Jesus, “the Lord saves,” would become the promised Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).

Joseph woke up, literally and figuratively. No longer afraid, Joseph “took Mary home as his wife.” He accepted her. Her child, God’s child, would be his child too.

Author: Duane Brush