her she was to conceive not just any child, but the Child
of the ages. And then as she traveled to be with her
elderly cousin, Elizabeth greeted her with a song of
exultation because of the Child she carried (Luke 1).
betrayed him. Whose child was this? The tale she told
was too fantastic, too outlandish for even one who
cherished her to believe. But then that troubled night of
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as
your wife. For the child within her was conceived by
the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son, and you are
to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from
their sins" (Matthew 1:20�21). He awoke assured,
relieved that his love for Mary was not misplaced. More
than that, wondering how he could have a place in the
world's most wondrous story. And his heart found
rest, knowing what Child this is.
answering this question.
The Messiah was foretold
as the "Root of Jesse" (Isaiah
the "Man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3),
and perhaps the most promising,
"God with us, Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
Then suddenly, events unfolded,
prompting those involved to
question and discover.