Joseph, faithful husband and father

While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son and you will name him Jesus – because he will save his people; from their sins.’ (verses 20,21)

Read Matthew 1:18-25

The Bible tells us very little about Joseph, but it does indicate that he was a very special person, a good man who always did what was right. He believed the message of the angel and took the already pregnant Mary as his wife. He faithfully cared for her, and, after the birth of Jesus, became his foster father and the protector of the holy family. When warned by God that King Herod was planning to kill Jesus, he didn’t hesitate to flee with his new family to another country.

Eventually Joseph took his family back to his home town, Nazareth, where he continued to take care of them. As he was a carpenter, Joseph no doubt taught Jesus the trade, and we can imagine them working together. Joseph was also a devout man, and he took Jesus along to the synagogue, the Jewish place of worship.

We can thank God for faithful, dignified, practical Joseph. His example as a husband, father and provider can be an encouragement and inspiration to all of us.

Dear God, thank you for good, faithful fathers. Help us to appreciate what they do for us and to value and love them. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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