Somewhere around circa 4 B.C. Although more is said of Mary than of Joseph, not many scriptures are dedicated to the mother of Jesus. She was unmarried, betrothed to Joseph. Mary is the more prominent figure in the Christmas story, yet Joseph is the one to whom God gave his instructions.

He was known as the legal father of Jesus.

Joseph, like his namesake in Genesis, is a gifted dreamer.

She was more devoted to God than she was afraid of being misjudged, condemned, and shamed by the community. This was no vacation in the southland, mind you.

It is the historical record of a young Jewish maiden and her betrothed, who were handpicked by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to participate in fulfilling the most important promise He ever made to His chosen people—the promise of a redeemer. Are you interested reading facts about Mary and Joseph? Joseph would have known the passage from Isaiah: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph awoke after the angel of the Lord told him he should take Mary as his wife and name their child Jesus, that is exactly what he did. In contrast to Zechariah, Mary believed the angel and submitted to God’s will unconditionally.

Methodism, Lutheranism, Anglican Communion, Oriental Orthodox Church, Catholic Church and Orthodox Church consider Joseph as Saint Joseph. What a shame, because the story of Mary and Joseph is a beautiful testimony of faith in Israel. She possessed a courageous faith.

We can imagine the conversation she had with Joseph, “No, Joseph, really, an angel told me.” Mary was living in Nazareth.

His wife is Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Joseph was the head of his family, and he was charged with protecting Jesus from Herod’s wrath. Hope in the future enables us to change in the present, and both Joseph and Mary exemplify faith in believing what should not be possible. Mary trusted his decision. Mary was of the tribe of Judah and a descendant of David, hence of the royal line.