Train up a child in the way he should go,
Proverbs 22:6
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
When we consider the birth scene of our Lord, we pay due respect to the lowly shepherds huddled around the manger as they cast wonderous eyes on the newborn infant, as they marvelled at what had been told them about the King of Israel. We wonder what was going through the mind of Mary as she sat amazed at what had transpired over the last nine months.
But what about Joseph?
Many can name a Christmas carol devoted to Mary, the mother of our Lord. But can you name even one devoted to Joseph?
We read of one angelic visit to Mary and her submission to the news. But what about Joseph? We read of many angelic visits to Joseph and how he obeyed every commandment given to him. Joseph took charge of his family and their needs, so he deserves our admiration.
Proverbs 22:6 reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Because Joseph was a godly man, he was an excellent choice to be an example of manhood for the child Jesus as he grew up.
Matthew also makes clear that Joseph was a loving and merciful man, refusing to bring public disgrace on Mary. Rather, he planned to hide what he thought was sin on her part: “And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly” (Matt. 1:19). Joseph acted according to Scripture where we read that, “Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Ps. 85:10). Joseph planned to act with undeserved grace by putting Mary away privately not disgracing her in public. Also, he was acting in truth by putting her away as the Law prescribed.
Jesus acted like his legal father, Joseph, because he always did what his Father in heaven prescribed (John 8:29). So why is Joseph largely ignored during the Christmas season and, for that matter, throughout the entire year? Why is he not extolled as a wonderful example of a godly father?
What about Joseph?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of earthly fathers and father-figures who model your love, grace, and truth. Help us take up that same mantle, encouraging and loving those around us.
Gordon Rumford
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!