The Forgotten Main Character

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. ²⁰ As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:18-21 CEB

The Christmas story in the Bible is so familiar to many people. Because of it being so familiar, we often don’t do it justice. We forget that Mary and Joseph walked almost eighty miles to get to Bethlehem. The shepherds were the first to hear about and see Jesus even though they weren’t seen as worthy to enter into synagogues and the Temple to worship Him. And of course that the three wise men didn’t show up for another two years and that there were probably more than three.

And then there was Joseph, such an integral part of the story, yet barely noticed or talked about. Yet, today’s passage reveals the integrity and character of the man. He truly loved Mary even when it seemed like she betrayed him. He was willing to cover her sin and shame and even go to the expense of having her sent away where no one would know her, though he was not a wealthy man. When he woke up from the dream He didn’t question or doubt, he married her and kept her a virgin until after Jesus was born.

He supported and cared for her in every way possible and never questioned where God directed and led them. His trust in the Lord was truly amazing, no matter where He was directed He went without question knowing God had already prepared the way. Oh that we would be more like Joseph, that our trust would lead us to step out even when it seemed to not only be odd but dangerous. To remember at times like these that God loves us way too much and has great plans ahead for us. This Christmas don’t forget to consider Joseph and how much he had the heart of God.