As I've considered the upcoming Christmas season I thought I might talk somewhat concerning what the birth of Jesus Christ might have been like from the perspective of Joseph.  We all have the tendency to read stories in the scriptures and "Apply" them unto ourselves which is a great way to understand how the doctrines can apply to us today.  However, to truly understand what was going on, and what it meant to those participating in the events described in the scriptures we need to understand how it "Applied" unto them.  I hope in this talk to give you a bit of a greater understanding of the culture, events, and situation concerning the Birth of our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ, as well as his parents on earth Joseph and Mary. 

Background on Jewish Life at the time. 

It's all about family

To a Jew at this time the word family had a much wider meaning that we hold to today.  To them a "Family" was not just a man and a woman.  No... It meant one's relatives.  In many cases this included brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, second and third cousins.  Extended family networks were both essential and required for survival.  It was every Jewish persons duty to maintain and depend upon these family Ties.   

The family to a Jew was more than just a group of individuals in the same house.  No... it was way more than that.  The family was the basic building block of Jewish Society and the creation and establishment of this building block was not taken lightly.  When a family was created there was a lot of thought, preparation involved in this process.  

Being an unmarried girl in Jewish society was a reproach to them. It would be talked about, gossiped about and would be a reproach to not just the girl but also the family.

What happened when someone got married back then?

Marriage was a three step process - Engagement, Betrothal, and then eventually the marriage ceremony, contract and celebration.  

Engagement

Most marriages were arranged, to someone who was a near kinsman.  Thus Joseph and Mary were First Cousins with much the same kingly ancestral line, that of being of the lineage of David.

The arrangement for this marriage would in almost all cases be done by the fathers of the groom and bride - and these would be arraigned accordingly.  The couple did have some say in the matter and it was usually not a forced event.  Yet often times the engagement was done well in advance.  These arrangements could be done when the children were very young children say 4-6 years old.  The match might be arranged by the parents themselves or by a professional go-between. Often the couple involved had never seen each other.  This fact may astonish young people today, but marriage was looked upon as a very serious step and not as something to be left to human passion and hasty action.

The marriage arrangement had less to do with romance, and love and more to do with survival, protection, security and procreation.

Thus the arrangement for the marriage would be done - and then the families would just wait for the appropriate time when the groom and the bride were of the appropriate age to be married. What age would that be?
Groom would be approaching the age of 18 or so, and the Bride would be somewhere between 13-16 years old.

Betrothal

When the time was right the preparation for the marriage would begin, in many cases it would be about a year before the actual ceremony.  This was so that all things could be set in order:

1. The creation and signing of the contract Ketubah - the formal legal contract of marriage (for the protection of the bride...)
   Example wording:
   "_______ son of _______ of the family _______ said to this maiden _______ daughter of _______ of the family _______
   Be thou my wife according to the law of Moses and Israel. You are hereby betrothed unto me according to the law of Moses and Israel, and I will work for thee, honor, provide for, and support thee, in accordance with the practice of Jewish husbands, who work for their wives, honor, provide for and support them in truth.
   I will set aside for thee 200 silver zuz mohar due thee for thy maidenhood, which belong to thee according to the law of the Torah, and thy food, clothing, and other necessary benefits which a husband is obligated to provide; and I will live with thee in accordance with the requirements prescribed for each husband.
   Thus this _______ maiden, consented and will became his wife. The dowry (nedunya) that she brought from her _______ house, in silver, gold, valuables, clothing, and household furnishings, all this _______ the said groom accepted in the sum of 100 silver pieces."
   
   The Mohar is given to the brides father and set aside as an insurance policy in the case of divorce.  (This money could also be given to the bride if the father so desires)
   The Dowry is given the bride by her father - to help her setup her new household.
   
   
2. They payment of money in accordance to the contract above - once the signing of the Ketubah and the payment of the monies has been completed the Betrothal is complete.  They are legal bound together - although not married.

Let's now look at the story of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Luke 1:34-38

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary's Choice:

How do you think this made Mary feel? 
She knew she was Betrothed to Joseph, and knew the consequences of being with child by another man would have on this relationship. Yet she was to be the mother of the Son of God... and all that entailed!
What a choice...!
Mary's thoughts concerning the opportunity to be the Mother of the Son of God - we don't know everything that was said to Mary - see the following:
Luke 1:46-55 - When speaking to Elizabeth concerning her pregnancy

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

What information was Mary given to help her make the decision to be the Mother of the Son of God?  She had been taught concerning the coming of a Messiah. She had an understanding of the importance of having a Savor. All generations shall call her blessed - the Mother of the Son of God.
Think of the Faith of this Woman!  God had done unto her great things! Yet what of her marriage to Joseph?

Sometimes the Lord asks hard things of us to do... Yet he also prepares a way for us to do them.

Mary returns 3 months pregnant - Joseph has to make a hard decision...

Math 1:18-19

18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

Joseph had probably been looking forward to this day for much of his youth.  He had probably known her, she was his cousin, and had known for a long time that they were engaged to be married at some future date.  At this point they had even completed the contract and paid the Mohar and Dowry - thus had completed the Betrothal although not yet married. (They had not yet came together)

How do you think this made Joseph Feel?
Did he feel betrayed by Mary? For he knew that this was not his child...
What should he do?

Hard Thing:
What do we do when we are placed in a situation not of our making - and yet we must make a decision that may influence both our lives and the lives of people close to us?
His decision would permanently affect his and Mary's life and status in society.
Mary as an unmarried non-virgin who would held in shame in the society as an adulterous - having not been raped. Joseph would no longer have a wife setup and a family to begin... 

Joseph thought and pondered about what he would do.  I'm sure he prayed and counselled with others on the proper thing to do. Yet... he didn't know there was no answer forthcoming... 
So... what does he do - in frustration he goes to sleep perhaps the answer, the proper choice will come to him tomorrow......?

Math 1:20-25

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Joseph didn't have an Angel come to him telling him Mary was going to have a child of God - before learning that Mary was pregnant.
Why would God allow Joseph to suffer such a traumatic experience?
Couldn't he have just told Joseph from the get-go that Mary wasn't and adulterer and it is all good? He could have yet we learn something because he didn't!

Sometimes the Lord allows us to experience trials in our life, difficult situations and decisions so that we can through the experience learn something.  So that we will be better than we were before - in a way he knows that we need.

Tender Mercy:

Sometimes the Lord requires us to think things through on our own - before he provides us an answer.
Sometimes the Lord requires us to ask - before he provides us an answer.
Sometimes after pondering, praying, and asking - he requires us to be patient before he provides an answer.

What did Joseph learn from this dream:
Mary had not been raped, nor had she committed fornication with another man.
The name of the boy shall be JESUS - and he shall save his people from their sins.
He shall be Emmanuel - God be with us!

What a Tender Mercy of the Lord to both Joseph and Mary
Joseph did not doubt his dream - he embraced the revelation given him by God.  He did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and fulfilled the marriage and took Mary to be his wife.
Joseph knew that his son Jesus would be someone special - in fact God is with us is Jesus's name!

What can we learn from this experience?
Proverbs 3:5-10

5 ¶ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

2 Nephi 4:19-24

19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

God can do more with our lives that we can - we must trust in him and have faith in his promises!

Life goes on - and yep it isn't without difficulties :)

Luke 2:1-7

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Hard Times:

There are a couple of things here that to the modern person in our modern society we just don't usually understand.

The Taxation:
Census or tax assessment was a common event to the time. There are many references of this being a regular event some say every 7 or 14 years. These events were always proclaimed well in advance so that individuals had time to determine the taxation and be able to pay it. This event may have been different from others in that they were required to register in their ancestral homes instead of in the locations of land ownership, or place of residence. Interestingly this census also included a taxation probably based upon individual count in the family and/or land ownership. Note that no monetary amounts are given in the text, just that there was a tax to be paid.

Inns
During the time of Jesus Birth there weren't really such things as motels or inns, people would normally have stayed with an extended family or relative. They did also occasionally have an external room available for a person to stretch out on the ground for a night’s sleep, a room in someone’s home situated by the highway, or a public building where rent was charged and food would be served to individuals or large caravans. However the greek word used in Luke 2:7 is kataluma - which literally means "to unloose" or to "unharness" in other words the location where you put your animals/took off your shoes etc. - inside your home for security.

Travel time to get there:
The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles which could be traveled in about 3-4 days usually. However, Mary was great with child so it would be probable that they took longer to travel there than normal. 

Thus not only Joseph but every member of his household and family, all his extended family, all his relations and in fact the whole tribe of David would be in effect counted and taxed at this time.  Thus when Joseph and his at least 3 month pregnant wife traveled to Bethlehem to be counted and taxed - it wasn't just him alone going there. It was a migration of 100's of people in and around the same time frame.

Thus Joseph traveled from Nazareth into Judaea to Bethlehem his ancestral home to be counted and taxed.  When he arrived in Bethlehem his first thought was to find a place to stay.  Where? Why with his extended family, those that had remained in Bethlehem and hadn't traveled away from there. It would have been much like a guest room, or a side room of a home for visitors.  Not a hotel like we think of - they didn't really exist at that time... 

Why would there be no room for Joseph in the "Guest Room" of relatives? (There was no room in the "Inn"!)

Why would there be no room... It wasn't like there was no space - it was just that they were being provided quarters that were unworthy of family.  In the culture at this time you provide family visitors hospitality.  It was a hospitality culture and yet in this case with this couple - nope no hospitality provided.  Nope - You get to sleep in a cave away from the rest of the family - isolated.

Why would this be a trial? How does being abandoned by one's family feel... have we ever felt that way, or alone?
How do you think his extended family thought about all of this Mary, the pregnancy, the marriage?  Have you ever felt isolated, or unfairly treated by your family?

The Lord knows our needs, knows our trials, and understand our situation - as he did them!

They lived in Bethlehem for some time in this manner we really don't know how long.  Yet when the time came for her to be delivered even then - the family did not provide proper hospitality... nope. 
There was no room in the guest house, no family support, no hospitality - she had her babe in an area with but a manger to lay the babe in!

There was no room in the "Inn"!

Where is the record of the actual Marriage?  None? Why?

The consumption of the actual marriage was a non trivial event in Biblical times.  In many cases it was an event that lasted a full week or so... yet in this case for this couple - we have no record of it at all. Interesting don't you think...

There was no room for them in the "Inn"!

Tender Mercies of the Lord - The shepherds come and bear witness!

Luke 2:8-19

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

When the shepherds saw the angel and came to the family - testifying of the birth of them Messiah... They were not quite about it they noised it abroad widely! The Messiah had been born! The Saviour who is Christ the Lord!

Why would this be a tender mercy to Joseph?
How would the testimony of these men - have affected him and his family, and extended family.
Perhaps there was some vindication - that all was well... 

What about the star?

• The star was new in the sky
• It traveled slowly through the sky - seen in east - it went before them and they followed it
• The star stood over Bethlehem - the place where the child was
• It was amazingly bright - so much so that all stars were weak compared to it.
• It may have even been seen during the day... ?
• It stayed around for over 2 years - Magi followed it

• A supernova - they don't move - and then stand still
• A conjunction of Planets - for the same reason
• A gamma ray burst

Math 2:1-15

Who were the wise men from the east?

Magi - Bible Dictionary Of a necessity of 2-3 to bear witness
Wise Men of the East - Bible Dictionary Holy Men from a land east of Palestine - Astrologers - Probably not accurate.
Wise Men and Star - Ensign Oct 1981 - I have a Question

The flight into Egypt - another Tender Mercy of the Lord

Their arrival was a God send - through their gifts Joseph was able to flee into Egypt and protect himself and his family.  Herod was not a nice man and would not have treated them kindly.

Imagine what it would have been like to be the Mother and Father to Jesus Christ!

What was Jesus like as a young man?

What did he look like?

• He looked just as a normal man – Isaiah 53: 2 – no form nor comeliness
• He looked exactly like his father – God –  The Origin of Man

D&C 107:43 – Seth was the express likeness of his father, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things, and could be distinguished from him only by his age.
Heb 1:3 – the express image of his person
John 14:9 – He that hath seen me hath seen the Father
What was he immortal?

• He was not subject to the penalty of Sin – namely death –
• He was born of an immortal man and thus had the capability to live forever
• He could feel pain, sorry, hunger, and all the experiences we have in this life.
• He had the capability to die because of his mortal mother Mary. (He was not immortal)

John 5:26
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; (Power to rise again given him of God)

What was his mind like?

He was more intelligent than all the sons of God or the spirits that had been organized.

Abraham 3:19 And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.”

JST Mathew 3:24-26
24 And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come.
25 And he served under his father, and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him.
26 And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh.
 
He served under his father.  – He did what his father asked, and was obedient to him.
Can you imagine the capability of this young man… more so than anyone who has ever lived… neither could he be taught, he needed not that any man should teach him!

Conclusion:

Although we may not know all the details concerning the birth and life of Jesus Christ.  It is amazing that he was born in such humble circumstances and as a helpless child as are we all.  The method and manner of his birth, the treatment of his family by those who were his closest relatives and the humbleness of it is interesting to note.  That God, the creator of the universe Jehovah the God of the Old Testament - was born and placed in a manger, in a cave away from his tribe and family should give us pause.  For truly Jesus Christ descended below all things and triumphs over all things.

This story also demonstrates the difficulties and trials and hard things that individuals must go through in their life.  Yet the Lord in his infinite wisdom and knowledge helps his people.  The Tender mercies of the Lord to empower us, to protect us, and to help us fulfil all things that he has commanded us is truly amazing.  We need to look for them, recognize them and have them be a strengthening influence in our lives.

His birth was proclaimed to the righteous and the knowledgeable understood that he had come.  However, to the world in general it was unknown that the creator, the God of the Old testament, our savor and redeemer had been born.