Scripture

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child that is within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

Observation

Mary is engaged to be married to Joseph. While still a virgin, Mary becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph has a dream in which an angel of the Lord tells him that May’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This baby is to be named Jesus and will save people from their sins.

Joseph takes Mary as his wife, although they refrain from sexual intercourse until after the baby is born.

Application

I am often surprised when I read of a christian stating that they do not believe in the Virgin Birth of Christ. This is an essential part of our faith.

What is easier for God to do- to make the whole universe in its infinite complexity or implant a bit of DNA into a womb?

To disbelieve at this point is to unravel every point of doctrine.

The Virgin Birth is fundamental to faith because it goes to the identity of Christ. Sin has been handed down to us, almost as an inherited quality woven into our genetic makeup. Adam’s sin has been inherited by every human being since.

If Jesus is to be a perfect sinless sacrifice for the sins of the world, He had to be conceived in a way that did not involve human DNA.

The first Adam was a special creation by God. So too was Jesus, the second Adam.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the mystery of the conception of Jesus. Help me to accept and believe this miracle. Amen.