He Protected, He Provided, He Persevered - Joseph Protected His Family

 Months earlier, in his hometown of Nazareth, Joseph found that his life changed forever after his engagement to the daughter of Heli.  Joseph knew Mary as an innocent, faithful  young woman. But when he learned that she was pregnant! He intended to divorce her secretly to protect her from scandal.  However, an angel added that the son she bore would "save his people from their sins." He further reassured Joseph: "Do not be afraid to take your wife home." - MATTHEW 1:18-21. 

Joseph, a righteous and obedient man, did just that.  He took on the weightiest of assignments: raising and caring for such a son who was not his own but who was must precious to God.  Later, in obedience to an imperial decree, Joseph and his pregnant wife went into Bethlehem to register. It was there that the child was born. 

Joseph did not take the family back to Nazareth. Instead, they settled in Bethlehem, just a few miles (abot 10 km) from Jerusalem.  They were poor, but Josep, did all he could to protect Mary andjesus from want or suffering.  In a short time, they took up living in a humble home.  Then, when Jesus was no longer a baby but a small child-perhaps over a year old-their lives suddenly changed again.

Next time: He Protected, He Provided, He Persevered - Joseph Protected His Family - Continued

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