Of all the parts of the Christmas Story, Joseph’s part is probably my favorite. Probably because we can learn the most from his character.
Can you imagine how happy he must’ve been? Betrothed to Mary. Preparing their home. Watching her walking to get water or playing with the children in the streets. He was beginning his life, building a home, starting a dream. And then…
Often the true character of a person is seen in times of trials, not times of good. Anyone can be strong when life is good. What happens when it all falls apart?
When Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy, a pregnancy out of wedlock, a pregnancy he had no part in – in one fleeting moment his plans were diminished. His desires for life washed away like the swift currents of a horrific storm.
It has happened to me. Somewhere in mid-stream the bottom falls out of my life, and I’m left wondering how things could have gotten to this point.
His choices were to have her stoned to death, after all she betrayed him. Adultery was a serious crime and she was promised to him.
He could accept responsibility for the baby and lose his standing in the community, his reputation. He would be labeled a man who couldn’t honor God and wait until he was wed to be with his fiancé.
And then there was divorce. Mary’s life would be one of constant struggle. She would not be married again. No one would take her in. She and the unborn child would have no support financially or emotionally.
He could believe her story. But, what of this story she told? The Holy Spirit? Came upon her? The Messiah? What?
But we know he humbly accepted her and the Messiah. He lovingly stood in the background with little recognition by anyone. He provided for Jesus, taught him the things fathers teach children, and loved Jesus’ sweet young mom. Joseph’s name is probably mentioned less than 10 times in the Bible, if that many; yet, we can learn so much from him.
Acceptance.
Tolerance.
Faith.
Courage.
There are times in life when those around you will oppose your beliefs in God. There are times when it would be easier to choose the path everyone else is walking on. I mean, at least there is company, right? There are times when God will ask us to believe Him when it seems everything but logical.
And when Joseph held his adopted son in his arms, what a huge responsibility he must’ve felt to protect the Messiah who would in turn save the world.
Not only did God choose Mary, he chose an earthly father for His son, a man of extreme character, loyalty, and self-control – a man willing to take the shame of another upon himself in obedience to God.
In this Christmas Season, find acceptance. Reach out to those others cast aside. Find tolerance. Love those who are different from you. Find faith. It is easy to believe the politically correct world; but it’s not God’s world. Faith comes from a belief in Him and His teachings. Find courage. Despite logical, stand by Jesus Christ. Find the good news, that saved a world.
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11
