In an Espousal Ceremony

In an espousal ceremony
The solemn witnesses joined
For the words of betrothing
And the passing of a lone coin

The young maiden now was promised
The village rejoiced with her
But in time the groom noticed
His bride was to be a mother...

Joseph- a man with a kind heart
Wanted to act with chivalry
A public trial- he'd not start
But would put her away privily

Then... in a dream an angel bid him
And he took his betrothed unto him as wife
She bearing the son of God within
Needed him as the man in her life

His it would be to provide
And help rear the promised son
He of the lineage of David
Was to bring up the Royal One

Let the world now take notice
That Jesus did grow in stature
He being born of promise
Grew to His perfected nature

And of His earthly father
Let us too be assured
That with angels he oft dreamed
And his sacred role was treasured

Now this truly has more meaning
As one knows the customs of the Jewish bound
For the groom ends his search saying
"Come, see... the treasure that I have found"

Then lifting the veil of his bride's cover
As the villagers gather and exclaim:
"The government be upon his shoulder"
Giving him the rights for parentage to claim

He then escorts his new virgin bride
Unto a home of their own
With a festive procession to guide
The greatest family ever known

Some friends played music, others danced
The kindred waved myrtle- the symbol of love
"Take her according to law" were the chants
While encircled with a canopy above

The festive couple were then crowned with garland
And called respectively "king" and "queen"
This truly took on new significance
They unknowingly honored the greatest Being!

Thoughts from
Jesus Christ
Son of Man
The Early Years
by Susan Easton Black