Joseph was a carpenter who lived in Nazareth. He was a man of integrity, honour, and uprightness. Joseph was engaged to a virgin called Mary. When Joseph heard that Mary was pregnant, he planned to break off their engagement quietly and not disgrace her by doing it publicly as was done in those days.
“But as he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” [Matt. 1:20 + 21]
Joseph did the right thing in a respectable way. He married Mary and honoured her virginity until Baby Jesus was born. He taught Jesus the carpentry trade as he grew up and nurtured his family in God’s ways, making sure that he took his family on the annual trip to Jerusalem for Passover.
We can learn from Joseph’s life that obedience to Father God is more important than what others think of us. It is good for all of us to strive towards living a life of integrity, truth, and godly courage, and to revere God above all else.
Father God, thank You for noticing Joseph and for preparing him as the perfect husband for Mary, and the earthy father for Jesus. Thank You that You see our hearts and lives too and that You have work for us which You prepared for us to do, even before we were born. You see and know ALL things and we can trust You, knowing that You will equip each one of us to serve You as we should. We love and trust You. Amen!
Myrtle Turunen