Joseph

We all know how devoted, how beloved of God, how clean and pure Mary, the mother of Jesus was. We know how devoted to Him she was. We know she loved Him, cared for Him, worshipped Him, and mourned for Him.

But what about Joseph?

Matthew Chapter 1:
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people in their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they sall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

We know that Joseph was a carpenter and so was Jesus. So Jesus must have sat by the work bench as a child and watched and marveled at Joseph's skill. He probably worked and practiced until his skills matched Joseph's. I can imagine Joseph and Jesus, not only working together but also laughing together.

Do you think they teased Mary about her cooking? Do you think they argued about the best way to shape a piece of wood. Do you think they talked of Jesus' future? Did Joseph worry for him? Did he counsel Him? Did he love Him as any father loves his children? I can't help but think so.

Although there is not a lot recorded about Joseph and his relationship with Jesus, knowing how much The Father loved His son, I can't help but think that He would choose a man that would father Jesus with love and kindness, perhaps much in the same way He would.

In a lot of Nativities you see Joseph standing over Mary and the baby as though protecting them. I think that very appropriate. In my Nativity drawing this year, I have him kneeling with Mary in love and worship...and maybe even waiting for his turn to snuggle the sweet new born king.