Christmas ViewpointSample

Joseph, The Journey to Bethlehem

'In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.'

Joseph seemed a necessary player in the prophecy of the Messiah coming from the line of King David. Yes, Joseph was the lineage prophecy connection, but this scripture tells us so much more about the man who willingly became the foster father for the Son of God.

Joseph was obviously a man who followed through on his commitments. He never looked back once he said “yes” to his role with the coming Messiah. He felt bonded to Mary and would provide and protect her and the coming Christ Child without hesitation.

We surmise from the scripture that Joseph played an important part in Jesus’ life until at least twelve (Luke 2:41-52). We never hear of him again and deduce he died as Jesus enters adulthood and public ministry. Jesus assumes his earthly father’s carpentry trade, and we can assume he also gleaned some of his character.

In Joseph’s obedience to his role as Jesus’ foster father, he travelled through a labyrinth of challenges as a father and the earthly guardian of the Son of God. Jesus had an earthly model of faithfulness to God and his life’s commitments.

Viewpoint Reflection

It would seem Joseph had the odds stacked against him as he took on his role in Jesus’ life. Yet, he was faithful. As Christians, all of us are called to be faithful to the unique role God has called us to. What in Joseph’s faithfulness spurs you on to be faithful?