12.16.18: The Sword - A Sign and A Sword pt 3

Matthew's Gospel begins by emphasizing the kingly line of Joseph, Jesus' adopted father, who like his namesake in the book of Genesis allowed God to change his life through a dream. There is beauty in his apparent betrayal by all those around him as he and Mary embark on a journey of social rejection and shame, oppression and danger that points to the very heart of the mission of their promised child - Jesus.