JOSEPH

This last Sunday before Christmas, our readings move from John and the theme of preparation to Joseph with the theme of obedience.  Not much is said about the earthly father of Jesus in the gospels.  He is sometimes called the forgotten man.

Here is all I know.  He was a carpenter by trade and he was of the house of David.  An angel appeared to him in a dream and convinced him not to divorce Mary -  she was a virgin yet pregnant.  He obeyed the angel.  He obeyed the state's call for a census by traveling to Bethlehem with his wife.  He obeyed an angel's instruction to take Mary and his infant son on a difficult journey to Egypt to elude Herod's edict to kill infant boys who might become King of the Jews.  After a time, he brought them back to Israel and settled in the town of Nazareth.  Joseph evidently died sometime after Jesus was 12 years old and when He began his public life at age 30.

Be obedient to the law.  Heed the call of God.  You know when He is talking to you.
o.o