Do Not Be Afraid

My Musings – Hard pressed (afflicted, oppressed, harassed), on every side.  How could one help from being crushed (completely subdued)?  How oppressed and harassed do you think an unmarried and pregnant woman might be in first century Israel, where death by stoning was a possibility?  It might be difficult to imagine in our culture today, but the affliction would most likely have come from every side – family, friends, synagogue, and most importantly her betrothed, Joseph.  Elsewhere in the text it is clearly stated Mary was found with child before they “came together.”    How favored would Mary be, in Joseph’s or anyone else’s eyes, after she could no longer hide the pregnancy?  How could she not be afraid?  How could she not be crushed?

And what about Joseph? He knew the child could not be his, and Mary’s explanation would have sounded preposterous.  How could he not…