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Mary and Joseph were just beginning their relationship when Mary became pregnant -

Jewish relationships and, as a result, marriage are typically categorized into two phases: kiddushin (engagement) and nisu'in (marriage ceremony).

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Mary and Joseph were just beginning their relationship when Mary became pregnant -

Certainly, there are additional layers of complexity to these phases. Essentially, during the kiddushin stage, a couple is recognized as married in the eyes of God. Nevertheless, cohabitation and sexual activity are not components of this particular stage.

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Mary and Joseph were just beginning their relationship when Mary became pregnant -

Currently, it is common for couples to merge the kiddushin and nisu'in rituals into a single ceremony. However, in the past, the initial stage of this process would be more time-consuming. The couple would engage in studying religious texts in order to prepare for their life together. Unexpectedly, Mary found herself pregnant!

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They almost broke up -

Naturally, maintaining virginity was not just preferred but also anticipated. Setting aside any divine intervention, the sudden revelation of Mary's pregnancy was not quite what Joseph had anticipated.

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They almost broke up -

Matthew 1:19 states:"Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."

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They nearly ended their relationship -

The course of action taken was unexpectedly compassionate (more details to follow). However, his final decision changed when angel Gabriel appeared and conveyed, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

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Mary risked being stoned to death -

As previously mentioned, Joseph intended to leave Mary in order to protect her from "public disgrace." Mary's vulnerability to public disgrace would have likely resulted in her being stoned to death.

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Mary risked being stoned to death -

According to Deuteronomy 22:21, a woman who engages in premarital sex while living with her parents would face severe consequences. "She shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death."

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Joseph rescued baby Jesus from the threat of death -

Upon learning of the Messiah, King Herod ordered the execution of all children in Bethlehem.

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Joseph rescued baby Jesus from being killed -

Luckily, an angel gave Joseph the heads up, so he and his family managed to flee.

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Mary and Joseph consummated their marriage after Jesus' birth -

According to Matthew 1:25, it clearly states:"But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

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Mary and Joseph consummated their marriage after Jesus' birth -

While there are differing beliefs regarding Mary's virginity, the Bible does mention Jesus's "brothers." However, some interpret this as figurative language rather than a literal understanding.

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Joseph wasn't your average carpenter -

Joseph is commonly seen as a carpenter, which emphasizes Jesus' modest upbringing. However, could Joseph have been involved in other trades besides woodworking?

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Joseph was not a typical carpenter -

Joseph is referred to as a tektōn in Ancient Greek, meaning an artisan or craftsman, not solely a carpenter. In fact, according to author Adam Bradford, Joseph belonged to the middle class and worked as an architect.

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Nazareth was a peculiar place -

Mary and Joseph hailed from Nazareth, a town with a poor reputation. Even Nathanael, who later became a disciple of Jesus, questioned its credibility, stating, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46).

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Nazareth was a peculiar place -

However, it is a fact that Nazareth was a distinctive location. Uncovered archaeological findings demonstrate that the inhabitants of Nazareth strongly opposed the Roman invasion and held their Jewish culture and traditions in high regard. Perhaps this is the reason why Mary and Joseph were selected by God?

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Physical traits -

Jesus has often been portrayed with light hair and eyes, but likelihood suggests otherwise. His parents, Mary and Joseph, were probably short with a darker complexion, contrary to some artistic representations.

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Physical traits -

Israeli Jews did not resemble Vikings. Their complexion could vary, especially if they had Egyptian heritage, potentially resulting in darker skin tone.

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Joseph probably helped Mary deliver baby Jesus -

Giving birth in the past was a considerably riskier affair. Mary, in particular, would probably have been out of her depth, without midwives and family support. Joseph was the sole individual available to provide assistance in this situation.

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Mary's difficult labor -

The Bible does not address her labor pain, yet the Quran does. In fact, an entire chapter is devoted to Mary's account in the holy book.

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Mary's labor in the Quran -

Surah Maryam 19:23 states: "And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, 'Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.'"

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Why does Mary wear blue? -

Mary is frequently depicted wearing blue, and while Israelite women did wear colored clothing, the meaning behind the color blue remains unknown. There are several theories, but no historical evidence supports any of them.

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Why does Mary wear blue? -

Blue (and white) has long symbolized purity and a connection to God in Judaism. It's one of the colors of Hanukkah, among many other things.

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It is possible that Joseph had a previous wife -

In supplementary texts (writings that didn't make it to the Bible), there is a reference to Melcha, who is noted as Joseph's first wife.

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Joseph might have had a wife before Mary -

According to the text, after Joseph became a widower with six children, he married Mary, who was a significantly younger woman. He then assumed the role of Jesus' earthly father.

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Mary most likely didn't deliver Jesus in a stable -

The traditional nativity story depicts baby Jesus in a stable, accompanied by animals, though this may not have been accurate.

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Mary most likely didn't deliver Jesus in a stable -

During that time, houses typically consisted of two floors, wherein the ground floor served as a space for livestock as well. Consequently, the concept of a distinct stable, where Jesus could have been housed, did not exist.

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Mary most likely didn't deliver Jesus in a stable -

There is a theory that suggests Jesus was born in a cave or grotto, which is where the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem now stands. These caves were commonly used as shelters by shepherds during the time period.

Source: (Grunge)

See also: Fascinating facts about Bethlehem

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