Giving Guidance

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to
make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
Matthew 1:19

Read Luke 1:26-38

In former centuries, it was a great shame when an unmarried woman became
pregnant. Not that long ago, such news traveled through villages like wildfire;
everyone regarded it as disgraceful. Moreover, such a person was required
to make confession of their guilt before the consistory of the church.
Sins of this nature were not allowed to remain un-confessed. Additionally, a
bride guilty of this was not allowed to wear a white wedding gown.
But today, things are different. There is much more tolerance. Morals have
been lowered to such an extent that it has become more acceptable for
young people to engage in sexual relations before marriage. It is no longer
seen as sinful.

But Joseph knew better. He understood that sexual intimacy and pregnancy
was not acceptable before marriage. The news of Mary’s pregnancy would
be upsetting for their village. Above all, he knew that he was not involved.
There was no doubt about that. This reveals that Joseph had not tried
to cross set boundaries during their engagement. He held to the biblical
norms. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that sexual relations were to
be confined to married life.

Joseph had a tender conscience for he knew the teaching of the Lord in His
Word. He had been taught the Scriptures. Parents also have the duty to
guide their children in the steps leading up to married life. If things are
as they should be, young people ought to be able to speak to their parents
about this subject. Sexuality is a precious gift of God.

Thought: It is still shameful to have sexual relations before marriage.

Song of Mary Verses 1, 2
Our souls shall magnify the Lord, In God the Savior we rejoice;
While we repeat the Virgin’s song, May the same Spirit tune our voice.
May the same Spirit tune our voice
The Highest saw her low estate, And mighty things his hand hath done;
His overshadowing power and grace Makes her the mother of his Son.
Makes her the mother of his Son.