Enter Joseph.
What a man.
In the story of the nativity, I think the academy award should go to Joseph.
Long suffering, man of integrity and courage.
Mary his girlfriend, comes to him and tells him that she is pregnant and he stands by her word.
In that day and age, a pregnant woman, who is single, is scorned.
Joseph was confused, he didn’t accept this whole scenario without contemplation.
An angel comes to reinforce Mary’s story that she is still a virgin.
Matthew 1: says this of Joseph
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
I think this part of the Christmas story gives humanity hope.
It gives me hope that there are decent men in our history, that treat women with respect.
Joseph showed such great respect to Mary. Joseph was the man!
He took the whole situation quietly and under control and stood up for his fiancé and his family.
Joseph made them his priority. He owned the whole situation, even though it made his reputation look stained.
He stood by Mary in her greatest time of need and honored their commitment.
Most of all he became the natural father to a son who was to change the course of history forever.
Who do you need to stand by in their greatest time of need?
Who do you need to show grace too and believe in them against all odds?
My man Charl is a man of such courage and character.
I think we need to honor men more for what they do for our families.
Joseph you are a great man and I’m sure your perspective of the Christmas story is a unique one.
Imagine how stressed he would have been with his soon to be wife giving birth in a stable.
Now that story is for tomorrow.
There is so much more to Christmas than trees, turkeys and presents.
It is the tale of many stories entwining.
A
