[Juliana13]

I guess I just assumed that most Christian religions believed that Mary was a virgin until after Christ was born. I do.

As for worthiness, she must have been the most perfect woman on earth. Not perfect, of course, since no one but Christ was perfect, but the most pure and humble woman who lived. She had to have been strong and faithful. I imagine God chose the mother of His Son very carefully.

By that same token, I imagine that Joseph was the most perfect man for the job, too. He was obviously humble, kind and teachable. He listened when told of Mary's situation, and married her anyway, when most others would have walked away. He was sensitive enough to the spirit to hear and understand the urgent command to flee before Herod's soldiers could kill Jesus. Joseph gets little recognition, he's not a prophet or great leader, - he taught no sermons that we read of, and we have little information about him. In the world's view, he was pretty insignificant. But I can only imagine that he was great man. God chose him to be the earthly father of the Savior of the world. He must have been a man of great faith, one who would guide and teach and love Jesus as he grew. He probably taught many great things to young Jesus on a daily basis. And really, what greater calling is there on earth than to be a great father or mother?

Okay - you were all talking about Mary... and I had to insert a few thoughts on Joseph.