Joseph has been referred to as the forgotten man of the Christmas story. We have no record of his words. But his actions are heroic and strong. I see Joseph as an appealing figure, a man who was willing to risk public ridicule to take as his wife a pregnant teenager whose baby was not his own. Then he took the family on a secret escape at night to save the baby’s life.
Joseph’s story has the makings of an adventure tale full of intrigue. If it were made into a movie, it would be one guys would enjoy. Men enjoy action, suspense, competition and they admire heroes who risk their lives for others.
The Bible is full of examples of heroic men who were willing to take risks to serve God. Men like Moses, Elijah, David, Daniel, Peter and Paul were leaders who were intensely committed to God. I would not hesitate to put Joseph in their company. He was a manly man who obeyed the will of God for his life.
In this space for the next few weeks, I want to think about the good character of Joseph. This will help us, I trust, to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Hopefully Joseph will cease to be a forgotten man but will receive some much-deserved recognition and emulation.
Joseph is described in the Bible as a working man. The Bible exalts labor. Work done with excellence is virtuous. Our work is a part of our calling. Joseph’s calling was to be a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). The title “carpenter” in the Greek language could also apply to a stone mason or to a builder in general.
Joseph was a craftsman who worked with his hands. He lived in Nazareth but he was not a Galilean by birth. He was originally from Bethlehem in Judea. Possibly he had moved north because that is where the jobs were. The town of Sepphoris, not far from Nazareth, was under construction at the time, archaeologists tell us. Maybe Joseph was employed in this big construction project.
Or perhaps he was known for his service to his neighbors in Nazareth as a maker of wagons, yokes, cabinets, furniture, windows, and door frames. There has always been a need for the skills of men like Joseph.
I imagine Joseph as a man with a big chest, bulging biceps, and rough, strong hands. In my mind’s eye I see him shaking sawdust out of his beard, and pouring water over his head to wash himself at the end of the day. I can see him setting his tools aside and talking with Mary as she brings him a simple meal which they enjoy together as the sun goes down.
This is background to the Christmas story. It was to this Joseph, a working man, that was entrusted the rearing of the Son of God.
Pastor Randy Faulkner