Definition: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Matthew 1:18. It's a really important and fascinating verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “The birth of Jesus was divinely planned and perfectly timed.” Let’s unpack that a bit: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ…” – This refers to the miraculous birth of Jesus, the son of God. “…was on this wise…” - This is a phrase from ancient Hebrew tradition. It means “according to wisdom” or “in a perfect way.” It’s saying that the birth was not just any birth; it was a special and intentional event. “When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph…” – This tells us when the birth happened. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was engaged (married) to Joseph, a wealthy man. “…before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” - This is the really significant part. It means that before they started dating and getting married, Mary became pregnant. The word “Holy Ghost” refers to the Holy Spirit, which is a spiritual presence – think of it as God’s power and guidance. So, the whole idea is that Jesus was born in a perfect, planned moment, guided by God's spirit. It’s a powerful message about the beginning of humanity's salvation. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foundational part of the biblical narrative and is considered one of the most significant events described in the Gospels (the books that tell the story of Jesus). It establishes that Jesus was uniquely, divinely created and has the power to redeem humanity! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Go into more detail about a specific part of this passage? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like its significance for faith)?