The final Advent season gospel reading for this year tells the Matthean account of Jesus' conception and birth. Matthew's birth narrative is far less popular to read at Christmastime than Luke's literary masterpiece. Luke's text focuses on Mary, the obedient virgin, who willingly submits to God's plans and never questions all that is required of her.

Matthew's description of Jesus' conception and birth focuses instead on Joseph. In many ways, Matthew's version is the more expected interpretation, for it is concerned with technicalities and issues of precise legality. It is Joseph's name and reputation that are on the line here, and it is only through Joseph's active obedience to the divine messages he receives that both his reputation and that of the baby Jesus are preserved.

In Matthew's …