LUX VERITAS

Apocrypha · Chapter 14 of 25

Protoevangelium of James 14

Infancy of Mary

Joseph, then, was filled with fear and withdrew from Mary's presence and began to think about what he would do with her. He said to himself: 'If I hide her transgression, I go against the law of the Lord; if I denounce her to the people of Israel, I fear that what happened to her may be due to an intervention of the angels. How shall I proceed, then? I will send her away secretly.' And upon this night fell.

2But behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying: 'Fear not for this maiden, for what she carries in her womb is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you shall name him Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.' And, upon awakening, Joseph arose and glorified the God of Israel for having granted him such grace, and he continued guarding Mary.

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About Protoevangelium of James

The childhood of Mary, the choosing of Joseph and the birth in a cave. It is the source of nearly all later Marian devotion — including the names Anne and Joachim.