Matthew 1:24

New International Version

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

For Meditation

Nobody gives him much attention. Why should they? His wife carried the most famous baby, which gives her prominence. God chose Mary to be the mother of the Messiah—God incarnate. It was a duty the angel Gabriel pronounced as divine favor. Joseph, therefore, had to play second fiddle to his wife all his life, and every attention rested on Mary. However, Joseph had a rich pedigree, too.

Matthew traces his ancestry to Abraham (Matthew 1). Like Paul, he could call himself a Hebrew of Hebrews. Luke writes he belonged to the house and line of David, which made him a royal of Judah. That is immense. But that is not all.

Joseph is one of the finest gentlemen you could ever talk about in his time till today. The Holy Spirit called him a righteous man, and that is uncommon. Few people in biblical history have earned that commendation from the Lord. Impressive!

Consider yourself in the shoes of Joseph when Mary, his fiancé, called to tell him she was pregnant, knowing he had not known her that way. The shock of it, even to a modern man. He had every reason to make noise—much noise that could have drawn the death sentence to Mary—but Joseph remained calm about it and made an unselfish decision.

Righteous people consider the glory of God above all things, with a lateral view that considers the interest of others and not theirs alone (Phil. 2:4). So, Joseph planned to divorce Mary quietly, not wanting to expose her to public disgrace (Matthew 1:19).

What a man! What a demonstration of unselfish character—a gem!

Now, examine the humility of Joseph, bravery, and obedience when God told him to take Mary home as his wife (20). The baby she carried, and its divine origin were historic. However, his reputation also mattered. The gossip and the insults —to impregnate a woman before marriage—yet, he endured it all with dignity.

How many of us have heard from God about a situation, yet disobeyed Him for personal reasons? Not Joseph. He considered it an honor to bear the shame and public ridicule for the situation of Mary for God’s glory. What a challenge for the modern-day Christian!

Tenderly, Joseph lived with Mary through the pregnancy. They went to Bethlehem for the census and shared the humiliation of receiving the Savior in a manger together. He stayed in tune with the Lord, did whatever He told him to do, and lived where God told him to take the baby.

Another significant fact about Joseph is how he kept silent about the circumstances of the pregnancy. Not many of us can, but God gives grace when we determine to honor His holy name.

How did Joseph feel raising Jesus, knowing His identity? How did he train the Godman as a carpenter? Fascinating!

As you celebrate Christmas, thank God for Joseph, and learn from his life—integrity, loving, humble, brave, obedient, caring, considerate, God-fearing, and trusting. That, my friend, is a truckload of Christmas presents to you and me.

Glory to God!