In the often-retold story of Christmas, we hear quite a bit about Mary, but what about the man God chose to raise His only Son? Joseph—a figure sometimes overlooked in our nativity scenes—deserves our careful attention and reflection.
Joseph is described in Scripture as a “righteous man,” a descendant of David through Abraham, and a humble carpenter by trade. His life was about to take an extraordinary turn when he became betrothed to Mary, a young virgin. Now, betrothal in those days was something significant, deeper than an engagement but not yet fully marriage.
Imagine Joseph’s distress upon discovering Mary’s pregnancy! Yet in his distress, Joseph faced the impossible with a grace that spoke to his character. The law of Moses was clear about the fate of an unfaithful betrothed woman, yet love and compassion rooted his response.
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:19 ESV
Joseph’s First Dream
Before he acted, however, he found divine intervention—in a most incredible way.
“And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). “
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.“ Matthew 1:19-25 ESV
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, bringing heavenly reassurance and clarity. Isn’t it fascinating how God often meets us in our dreams, when our defenses are down and our ears are open? Joseph awoke with purpose and settled it in his heart to take Mary as his wife. Publicly, he joined with her in marriage, adhering to all customs of the time, including the celebratory feast.
The Gospel of Matthew specifically mentions that Joseph did not know Mary intimately until after she had given birth to her firstborn son. This detail underscores the integrity of the virgin birth. No finger could point to any earthly father, for Jesus was conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of old. There was no human agency involved in this pregnancy. It was Mary and the Holy Spirit bringing forth our savior.
Joseph’s Second Dream
After Christ’s birth, Joseph’s obedience is displayed along with God’s protective hand. Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus were visited by wise men, but they departed as secretly as they had come, after God’s warning fell upon them. Herod, in his tyrannical jealousy, commanded that all male children two were to be killed.
“Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Matthew 2:13 ESV
Yet before the envious sword of wickedness could fall, the Lord’s messenger again spoke to Joseph in a dream—this time with urgency – to take his family and travel to Egypt.
Joseph’s Third Dream
How long they stayed in Egypt, the Scriptures do not say, but it was long enough for Herod’s turn to die. Then, with Herod’s demise came a third heavenly prompting for Joseph, guiding his return to Israel. Yet again, an angel directed Joseph in a dream to go back to Israel, ensuring safety and fulfilling another layer of His divine story.
“But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” Matthew 2:19-20
Joseph’s Fourth Dream
But where specifically was it safe to live in Israel? Joseph was told in a dream not to go to Judea, and went to Nazareth.
“But when he [Joseph} heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:22-23
The biblical account of Joseph and Mary, tell us that God can supernaturally intervene through any means, including angels and dreams to reassure us, protect us and guide our steps.
What stands out in these scriptures is Joseph’s quiet surrender! Through his life, we see God’s provision and the importance of trusting in Him to shepherd our fears and doubts. Through all the adversity, God brought forth Jesus, a gift unmatched, a sinless Son, to give us forgiveness through His grace, for no ordinary man can offer salvation.
Christmas is a story of love but also a story of surrender. As we recount the events that led Joseph to lead, protect, and provide for the Holy Family, let us remember the same call is upon our lives today.
Just like Joseph and Mary, let’s embrace divine interruptions with open hearts, saying, “According to Your Word, Lord, whatever You want.”
This Christmas, if you find yourself clinging tightly to your plans or wrestling with decisions, know that God is calling you to trust Him. Surrender is not easy but it is a pathway to His peace and joy. So why not this Christmas take a step of faith, lift your hands, and echo that profound declaration: “OK Lord, You win.”