Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alexandria Va

Matthew describes Joseph as a “just” man – a person who is righteous within his religious tradition and faithful to its laws and norms. But Matthew also depicts Joseph as a person whose intentions and character lie on the merciful side of righteousness rather than on its punitive side. Thus, Joseph resolves to divorce Mary as the law requires, but to divorce her quietly, to spare her at least some public humiliation. The word used in King James is “privily.” Rev. Larry Hayward preaches on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Scripture lesson is Matthew 1:18-25, and is read by the Rev. Jacob Bolton.