The story of Mary and Joseph is a key part of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a tale of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Their story is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament.
The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary
Bible Verse: Luke 1:26-31
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph… The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’… ‘You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'”
The angel Gabriel visited Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, and announced that she was chosen by God to give birth to a special child. This child would be named Jesus, and he would be the Son of God.
Joseph’s Dream
Bible Verse: Matthew 1:18-20
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered 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 home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'”
Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was troubled when he learned that she was pregnant. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to marry her because the child was from the Holy Spirit.
Journey to Bethlehem
Bible Verse: Luke 2:4-5
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by the Roman emperor. Despite Mary being close to giving birth, they made the journey because Joseph was from the line of King David, and Bethlehem was David’s ancestral home.
The Birth of Jesus
Bible Verse: Luke 2:6-7
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
In Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Since there was no room in the inn, Jesus was born in a humble setting and laid in a manger.
The Significance of Mary and Joseph
Mary and Joseph’s story is a testament to their faith and obedience to God’s plan. They played a crucial role in the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah’s birth.