Christmas

Imagine learning that the young lady you are about to marry - toward whom you have been steadfastly chaste - is pregnant.  You're an older man who must face that, apparently, youthful intemperance has destroyed your dreams.  Youthful intemperance expressed as betrayal. Being practical, and not the least bit of a vindictive nature, you decide to move on without fanfare.

Imagine you are that young lady.  You did not ask to have an angel sent to you with the notification that you are well regarded in Heaven and will, if you agree, carry and be mother to a baby whose Father is God himself, whose means of conception will not be physical - you are to remain a virgin - but spiritual. Being devout, but not entirely unmindful of the seeming unreality of the situation, you muster your will and reason - and faith - to acknowledge and agree.  "Let God's will be done."

But the angelic presence departs, and there you are alone with your thoughts. "What will my husband-to-be think of me?"

"Mary, it's OK.  I'm very sorry, but in light of this, and despite the fact that it breaks my heart, I must call off our plans to be wedded.  I do not wish to cause you any shame or embarrassment; no one will have to know."