A Virgin Birth – An Unexpected Event That Changed the World

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 1:18

Dear Family & Friends,

Every once in a while in the ordinary course of life something happens that changes everything. An event occurs, a decision is made . . . or an angel appears. So it was in the lives of my parents and in the lives of a young couple in Bible times who were pledged to be married.

An Unexpected Event in 1963

The year was 1963 and a certain handsome young man could hardly contain himself. For months he had saved and planned in order to give the love of his life a beautiful diamond ring in exchange for her hand in marriage. He awoke early on the morning of November 22nd full of excitement and hopes, but while eating lunch he flipped the switch on the radio and heard some distressing news: President Kennedy had been shot as he rode in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas.

The world mourned and John Henderson, your grandfather, had a dilemma. Should he give Grandma the ring on such a sad day or scrap all of his plans until a more uplifting time?

An Unexpected Event – A Virgin Birth

Another starry-eyed young couple had a much more difficult dilemma. Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married when the young virgin found she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She dropped this bombshell on her husband-to-be leaving him very confused and distressed.

Joseph, a considerate and righteous man, thought about divorcing his intended quietly rather than exposing her to public shame. But after considering this option another twist developed. An angel of the Lord appeared to him assuring him that Mary was pregnant by no ordinary means. “Take her home as your wife,” the angel said, “for the child conceived within her is from the Holy Spirit. Give him the name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.”

Prophecy Fulfilled – A Virgin Birth

Joseph likely knew the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, “The virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” So despite the unexpected turn of events Joseph did what the angel of the Lord commanded. He married Mary and took her home with him. She had been chosen as the vessel for the birth of the promised Messiah. He, too, had been chosen as the human stepfather of God Himself, and he was determined to do His part in caring for this special baby and mother. Some months later Jesus, the Savior, was born and the entire world was blessed.

Sometimes unexpected events change everything. But God’s plan will always prevail. Grandpa Henderson chose to pop the question despite the devastating national events of 1963, and Grandma said, “Yes.” In response to the angel of God’s reassurance and command to marry the virgin Mary, Joseph also said, “Yes”.

And the rest is history!

Love,

Mama

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