The Virgin Birth of Christ took place as part of God's work of salvation. To read this story only in terms of the question, "Did it really happen?" is to read it superficially. There is, in this story, the call to receive Christ and His salvation. Joseph was not required to do anything by way of procreation. Nevertheless, he was invited to involve himself in God's purpose of salvation. He was invited to acknowledge that "what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20). He was invited to "take Mary ... as (his) wife" (Matthew 1:20). This also involved taking Jesus - not only as 'his son' but also as his Saviour. This is the Gospel invitation. God offered His Son to Joseph. He offers His Son to us. He invites us, like Joseph, to take Jesus - as our Saviour. From Joseph, we also learn the Gospel response (Matthew 1:24-25). He obeyed the Lord's command. He took Mary (and, with her, Jesus) but "He had no union with here ... " This was no casual thing. For Joseph, Mary and Jesus came first. For us, Jesus must come first. He gave Him the Name Jesus - "Saviour". This is what we must do - "Jesus, You are my Saviour."
