"Christmas: Lesson from Joseph"
- Rita Larson
- Dec 4, 2023
- 4 min read
As the Christmas season approaches, we often focus on the birth of Jesus and the role of Mary in this miraculous event. However, there is another key figure in the Christmas story who often goes unnoticed: Joseph. Joseph, the husband of Mary, played a significant role in the birth of Jesus and demonstrated tremendous courage and faith.
Matthew 1:18-25 "Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus."
The story of Joseph begins with his betrothal to Mary. Imagine his shock and confusion when he discovered that she was pregnant, considering they had not yet come together as husband and wife. Joseph's initial response could have been anger, betrayal, or even seeking revenge. However, he chose a different path. Despite his righteous nature, he did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace and decided to divorce her quietly. This decision demonstrates his compassion and love for Mary, even in the midst of his own confusion and pain.
Before Joseph could finalize his decision, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel reassured Joseph that Mary's pregnancy was a result of the Holy Spirit and that he should not be afraid to take her as his wife. The angel revealed that Mary would give birth to a son who would save his people from their sins. This divine intervention was a turning point for Joseph, as he had to decide whether to trust in the word of God or rely on his own understanding. Joseph chose faith over fear and embraced his role in God's plan.
Joseph's obedience to God was not only a personal decision but also a fulfillment of prophecy. The genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the book of Matthew, emphasizes Joseph's lineage from Abraham and King David. This lineage was crucial in establishing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Joseph's acceptance of his role as Jesus' earthly father ensured that Jesus would be born into the line of David, as prophesied by Isaiah.
Joseph's obedience to God came at a great personal cost. By accepting Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own, Joseph risked his reputation and potentially endured the judgment and ridicule of his community. He willingly took on the responsibilities and challenges of fatherhood, providing a stable and loving environment for Mary and Jesus. Joseph's sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and devotion required to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. Joseph's courage and faith teach us valuable lessons that are relevant not only during the Christmas season but throughout our lives.
Trust in God's Plan: Joseph's trust in God's plan despite the challenging circumstances is an inspiration to us all. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in situations that we do not understand or that go against our plans. However, by placing our trust in God, we can find comfort and direction in His perfect plan for our lives.
Embrace the Unknown: Joseph's obedience to God required him to step into the unknown. He had to let go of his own expectations and embrace a future that was uncertain. In our own lives, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's guidance, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Act with Courage: Joseph's decision to take Mary as his wife required immense courage. He had to face potential judgment and criticism from his community. In the face of fear and opposition, Joseph chose to act with courage and do what was right. Similarly, we should not be afraid to stand up for our beliefs and follow God's calling, even when it is challenging.
Show Compassion and Love: Joseph's response to Mary's unexpected pregnancy demonstrates his compassion and love. Instead of seeking revenge or exposing her to shame, he chose to protect her and care for her. This act of love reminds us of the importance of compassion and understanding in our relationships.
Be Open to Divine Intervention: Joseph's encounter with the angel in his dream highlights the importance of being open to divine intervention. Sometimes, God speaks to us in unexpected ways or through unlikely messengers. By remaining open and receptive, we can experience the guidance and direction God has for us.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, remember the valuable lessons we can learn from Joseph's courage and faith. His obedience to God's calling, despite the challenges he faced, serves as an inspiration for us to trust in God's plan, embrace the unknown, act with courage, show compassion and love, and be open to divine intervention. May the story of Joseph remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and inspire us to live lives of faith, love, and obedience to God's will. ©Rita Larson 12/4/2023
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