The angel’s message to Joseph reveals a mystery beyond all human imagining. The child conceived in Mary is not only heir to David’s throne but Savior of the world, one who will “save his people from their sins.” As the Fathers observed, no prophet, king, or priest had ever accomplished such a work. Many could announce God’s will or act as his servants, but none could free humanity from sin itself. Only God with us could heal the wound that separated us from him.