An angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream, and said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant.” (The Message, Matthew 1:20–21) So Joseph married Mary, but did not have marital relations with her until after Jesus was born. For a long time, people just assumed the baby was Joseph’s, and Mary’s reputation was protected.