Matthew 1:18-25

18This is how Jesus Christ was born. His mother's name was Mary. She had promised to marry a man called Joseph. Then she discovered that she was pregnant. This happened before they started to live together. It was the Holy Spirit that caused this to happen to her.

19Joseph was a good man. He wanted to do what was right. He did not want her to become ashamed in front of people. So he decided to stop their marriage secretly.

20He thought about what he should do. Then an angel came from the Lord God to see him. The angel came to Joseph while he was dreaming. The angel said, ‘Joseph, you who are from the family of King David, take Mary home as your wife. Do not be afraid to do that. The baby that is growing inside her is from the Holy Spirit.

21Mary's baby will be a boy. He will save his people from their sins. Because of that, you must give him the name “Jesus”.’

22The Lord God had given a message about this to one of his prophets long ago. Now that message would become true.

23The prophet had said, ‘A young woman who has never had sex will have a baby boy. People will call her son Immanuel.’ This name means ‘God is with us’.

24Then Joseph woke up from his sleep. He did what God's angel had said to him. He married Mary and he took her to his home.

25Joseph did not have sex with Mary until after the baby boy was born. He said that the boy's name should be Jesus.