Joseph had in his sad perplexity for some
time prayed and thought, and thought and prayed
again. Externally his conduct gave no sign of the
anguish of his soul. But all the same Mary must
have been conscious of the thoughts that were passing
in her dear spouse's mind, and though God had
given her no leave to speak, she prayed continually
that He would make known to Joseph what had
taken place in her. God could not refuse to listen
to His handmaid's prayer.
One night as St. Joseph slept an Angel appeared. "Fear not," he said, "to take to thee Mary
thy wife, for that which is conceived in Mary's
womb is of the Holy Ghost." That Child is
Divine, nay, is Himself God. Thou art appointed
to be His guardian and protector. Thou shall call
His name Jesus; thou shalt be the foster-father of
thy God, as thou art the true husband of His
Mother. Thus it is that God intervenes to dispel
the fears of His servants who watch and pray, who
patiently abide God's time, and only seek His will.
What intense joy and lightness of heart fill
the soul of Joseph at the Angel's words! His bewildered perplexity was changed to peace and gladness. He was to be the consort of the Mother of
God; nay, more, he was to have the rights of a
father over the Son of God; he was to have the
unspeakable privilege of dwelling with God Incarnate!
O happy Joseph! Thy obedience and
patience received indeed a rich reward.