Joseph is often pictured as a
Bystander in the Christmas story,
A figure in the shadows of a
Nativity scene.
But his role was crucial.
He was a just man, a
Compassionate one, and when he
Heard that his betrothed was pregnant,
And not by him, he planned to quietly
Divorce her.
But an angel changed Joseph's mind.
And like his young bride-to-be he
Gave up his will for God's.
It would mean his reputation would
Take a hit.
"A virgin birth? A likely story."
The skeptics would repeat the snide
Accusation for his lifetime, up to
The present time.
It would mean fleeing in the night to
Protect his little family from Herod.
It would mean living an obscure life as a
Carpenter in Nazareth, a town that was
Disdained.
"Can any good come from there?" *
But despite the obstacles that lay
Ahead, Joseph obeyed again and
Again.
He set a high standard for me.
He was willing to sacrifice his plans for the
Sake of his step son, the
God/man who would one day be a
Sacrifice for him.
*John 1:46