The Bible does not tell us much about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, but what it does say, speaks volumes.

Though he had every right, through the law, to break off his engagement to Mary when he discovered she was pregnant, Joseph wanted to do it quietly. He loved her, and didn’t want to publicly humiliate her.

When he learned Mary was pregnant with the Savior of the world, he understood he would raise a child who was not his biologically. Yet, Joseph vowed to love God’s son as his own flesh, and raise him as his own. What a challenge in any time, but especially during the time Jesus was born. Joseph was willing to stand with Mary, support her, love her and her child, and endure the cruel gossips of the day.

Nobel Joseph. Honorable Joseph. Hardworking Joseph. Devoted. Committed. God-fearing. Obedient. Loving husband. Loving father.

Like Joseph, maybe we’ve been called by God to stand with someone others are unjustly condemning. Maybe we’ve been put in an uncomfortable situation, and asked to do things that take us out of our comfort zone for Jesus’ sake. Maybe we’ve had to lead from the shadows, without recognition.

Joseph did all that, yet, he was the noblest of all men. His name will be remembered for all eternity as the man chosen by the Creator of the Universe to raise the Messiah. What an amazing honor and privilege.

 

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but before they married, she learned she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Because Mary’s husband, Joseph, was a good man, he did not want to disgrace her in public, so he planned to divorce her secretly. While Joseph thought about these things, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please subscribe to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!