When Joseph first became engaged to Mary, no doubt he assumed that the relationship would continue as it would have with any other couple. Certainly, he was looking forward to his life and eventually children. He had no idea what lay ahead for him as God intervened in his life. His service to God was stellar. He was devout and sincere. He was open to God’s leadership in his life. This man had already established a carpentry business that he expected would support his new family. That, too, would take on a new perspective in the family’s future.
God chose Joseph as much as he chose Mary for the work that lay ahead the rest of their lives. The shock to him must have been several fold when he discovered Mary was pregnant without the aid of a male. The shocks continued as angels appeared to him giving him instructions for what to do. He sets an example for all of us to be open to God’s leadership in our lives. This whole Christmas scenario was not what he bargained for. At first, life was going to be simple. That was the farthest from what God had planned for him.
When he and Mary walked to Bethlehem in compliance with requirements to register for taxation, his journey began in earnest. He had to trust God that Mary was not unfaithful to him. He had to trust God that the baby to be born truly was going to be the Savior of the world. What a profound and overcoming thought that he was going to be the stepfather of the Son of God. Joseph must’ve been a very gentle caring person. He laid his life on the line to be obedient to God after Jesus was born, for the next several years.
However, the wicked King Herod had other plans and so did God. Again, in unquestioning faith, Joseph obeyed the angel and took his family to live in Egypt. As Jesus grew up after their return, Joseph was a responsible stepfather by teaching him the carpentry trade. This would be vital so that Jesus might be able to have a means to support the family after Joseph passed away. The Bible tells us that there were sons and daughters generated by the union between him and Mary. Nevertheless, our heroic reliable Christmas husband met an early death.
It is an enormous privilege to explore the life of Joseph and the example he set. He was a man who thought his life was all laid out before him only to be interrupted by God’s plans. Never did he complain. Never did he rebel. Never did he question. He was a man of immense trust placed on him by God himself directly. At Christmas time, let us not overlook this man who played a vital role in the birth of Jesus.
Christian Writer 