An Angel Visits Joseph in a Dream

Joseph was a carpenter who lived in a town called Nazareth. He was engaged to marry a young woman named Mary. In those days, when two people were engaged, it meant they were promised to each other, even though they didn't live together yet.

One day, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby. But Joseph knew the baby wasn't his! He felt very sad and confused. He thought Mary must have done something wrong. Joseph was a kind man, though. He didn't want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone, so he decided to quietly break their engagement and go separate ways.

But that night, something amazing happened. While Joseph was sleeping, an angel from God appeared to him in a dream! The angel had an important message.

'Joseph, don't be afraid to marry Mary,' the angel said. 'The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. God made this happen! Mary didn't do anything wrong. She's going to have a son, and you will name Him Jesus. This special baby will save people from their sins.'

The angel also reminded Joseph about something a prophet named Isaiah had said many, many years ago: 'A virgin will have a baby, and He will be called Emmanuel, which means "God with us."'

When Joseph woke up, he remembered everything the angel had told him. He believed the angel's message and obeyed God right away. Joseph married Mary, just like he had planned. He took care of her while they waited for the baby to be born.

When the baby was born, Joseph gave Him the name Jesus, exactly as the angel had said. Joseph was brave to trust God, even when things seemed confusing. He didn't understand everything, but he knew God had a special plan. And that special plan was Jesus—God's own Son, coming to earth to save us!