# Connecting Statement:

The author concludes his description of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

# as the angel of the Lord commanded

The angel had told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus.

# he took her as his wife

"he married Mary"

# to a son

"to a male baby" or "to her son." Make sure it is clear that Joseph is not portrayed as the actual father.

# Then he called his name Jesus

"Joseph named the child Jesus"