* Matthew 1:18–25 This first story of the infancy narrative spells out what is revealed in Mt 1:16.
 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The virginal conception of Jesus is the work of the Spirit of God. Joseph’s decision to divorce Mary is overcome by the Holy Spirit that he take her into his home and accept the child as his own. The natural genealogical line is broken but the promises to David are fulfilled; through Joseph’s adoption the child belongs to the family of David. Matthew sees the virginal conception as the fulfillment of Is 7:14.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign;* the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.