Matthew 1: 18-25

                                               Joseph’s Dream

 Chuck Swindoll has a radio show I listen to every morning at 5:00am. As I exit the shower I hear his honest, straight forward message about what the bible has to say about life. The latest series he has written and delivered is called “Joseph Did You Know.” I have always loved the Christmas song “Mary Did You Know” so it immediately sparked my interest even more than usual.

He spoke of how Joseph must have felt when Mary told him of her visit from an angel, and that she was carrying a child conceived by the Holy Spirit. “Yea right,” he likely thought. We can imagine the disbelief of anyone who was told such a thing, yet it was the truth. Chuck’s message went on to bring to light the kind and virtuous man Joseph was, and how he proceeded once he was also visited by an angel in a dream that clarified Mary’s claim. 

As Mr. Swindoll continued, my thoughts drifted to Joseph as a father. Throughout Jesus’ life, there is not much mention in the bible of Joseph and his relationship with Jesus, Mary, or anyone else for that matter. We know he was a carpenter by trade. I envision Joseph sawing, pounding, and smoothing rough wooden edges with his strong, weathered hands, thinking, “Why was I chosen, and what is my role now?” How could he possibly know how to be the father of Christ? Was God watching every encounter he had with Jesus and critiquing his parenting style?

The role of a father is enormous. It is a responsibility no mother can understand. Though they may appear harsh or unfeeling on the surface, most fathers have a true heart for their children and work hard to protect, provide, and plan for their future. May God bless the fathers of this world, and give them the strength, patience, and determination to stay the course, and follow the will of the Lord, no matter what. 

Read/Listen to Matthew 1: 18-25