I took up again the exploration of the language in Luke 2:1-19.

Glory to God in high heaven: literally, “We acknowledge God”—or “Acknowledge God”—a statement or a suggestion.

Peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests: the breech between God and humans is to be healed—there will be peace between God and those who win His favor by acknowledging Him.

Once they saw, they understood what had been told them concerning this child: they recognized Him as the Messiah.

All who heard of it were astonished: so long they had waited, and now here He was!—But in a stable?

I returned to Matthew 1:18-24 and put myself in Joseph’s position.

At last, after three long months, Mary has returned from visiting with her cousin Elizabeth! But, rather than the joyful reunion I expected, Mary was very serious. She said she must speak to me privately, as soon as possible.

It is evening, now, and we have met as she asked. Very calmly, she tells me she’s having a child. Betrayed! My dear, sweet Mary has betrayed me. I’m numb at first, then I look upon her with new eyes. She’s changed. These past three months have done something to her. Not only has she betrayed me, now she mocks me with my piety! An angel, indeed! Son of God! Mary, Mary, not blasphemy from you!

I tell her it’s over with us. I’ll not fall for whatever trick she’s using to get me to get me to accept the child of whatever lover abandoned her. She’s broken the Law and must pay for her sin. I could have her stoned for what she’s done, but I look into her eyes, and I know I could never do that. Hurt me though she has, and doubly so, I still love her. I couldn’t cause her harm. A quite divorce…. That’s the only proper thing to do. She lowers her head and sighs in resignation. “Let it be done unto me according to your will,” is all she says.

I have trouble sleeping. I toss and turn in the midst of the rubble of what once was my world. I turn my burdened heart to the Lord in the Psalms of my ancestor David, but I find no consolation in these. Often, they trail off unfinished, a wordless pleading replacing them.

At last, He grants me the gift of sleep. I doze, but do I wake again? A man stands before me bathed in a glorious light. He is an angel of the Lord! Will he chastise me for not bringing the full weight of the Law upon Mary? But no…. He tells me not to fear taking Mary as my wife. There really was an angel sent to her! The Messiah is coming! Mary, my Mary, is to be His mother! She hasn’t betrayed me! She’s the chosen one of the Lord! Praise God! (1)

(1) Spiritual director: You are really inspired. Your author is coming out! Beautiful!