BUT while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:20–21

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Why did the angel appear to Joseph "while he thought on these things"? Why was he told to "fear not" to take Mary as his wife? What potential embarrassment did he have to overcome to do this?

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