Monday, December 18, 2017

Advent 2017: December 18


The birth of Jesus the Anointed took place as follows:  While his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they slept together, she was found to be pregnant by the holy spirit.  Since Joseph her husband was a good man and did not wish to expose her publicly, he planned to break off their engagement quietly.

While he was thinking about these things, a messenger of the Lord surprised him in a dream with these words:  "Joseph, descendant of David, don't hesitate to take Mary as your wife, since the holy spirit is responsible for her pregnancy.  She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus.this means 'he will save his people from their sins.'"  All of this happened so the prediction of the Lord given by the prophet would come true:

Behold, a virgin will conceive a child
and she will give birth to a son,
and they will name him Emmanuel.

(which means "God is with us").

Joseph got up and did what the messenger of the Lord told him:  he took (Mary as) his wife.  He did not sleep with her until she had given birth to a son.  Joseph named him Jesus.

--Matthew 1:18-25, SV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found 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 unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, 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, saying,

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.

--Matthew 1: 18-25, KJV


1. When Joseph was a young man,
A young man was he,
He courted Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee.
2. As Joseph and Mary
 Were walking one day,
Here is apples and cherries
 Enough to behold.
3. Then Mary spoke to Joseph
 So meek and so mild:
Joseph, gather me some cherries,
 For I am with child.
4. Then Joseph flew in angry,
 In angry he flew:
Let the father of the baby
Gather cherries for you.
5. Lord Jesus spoke a few words
All down unto them:
Bow low down, low down, cherry tree,
 Let the mother have some.
6. The cherry tree bowed low down,
 Low down to the ground,
And Mary gathered cherries
While Joseph stood around.
7. Then Joseph took Mary
All on his right knee.
He cried: O Lord, have mercy
 For what have I done.


Blessed Woman,
Excellent Man,
Redeem for the dull the
Average Way,
That common ungifted
Natures may
Believe that their normal
Vision can
Walk to perfection.

--W.H. Auden

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