NARRATOR: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream.
ANGEL: Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
NARRATOR: All this happened to fulfill what God had said through the prophet Isaiah.
ISAIAH: The virgin shall be with child and give birth to a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel.
NARRATOR: This name means God with us. When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him and received Mary into his home as his wife.
Matthew 1.18-24
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 7.10-14 Romans 1.1-7 Matthew 1.18-24