The Forgotten Man of Christmas | Dr. David Jeremiah | Matthew 1:18-25
The Forgotten Man of Christmas | Dr. David Jeremiah | Matthew 1:18-25
Each year during Christmas, our attention often focuses on the shepherds, the wise men, the angels, Mary, and, of course, the Christ child. But how often do we pause to reflect on Joseph, who is frequently written out of the story? Before you overlook him, consider this: among all the men in the world, God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus. This choice speaks volumes about Joseph’s character and the crucial role he played in God’s plan for the redemption of humanity.
Joseph was entrusted with raising a child who was not biologically his, a testament to his faith and obedience. Imagine the magnitude of such a calling: to accompany Mary on her earthly journey and to nurture the Savior of the world. God’s plan hinged on Joseph’s willingness to fulfill this extraordinary task.
A Christmas Pageant Without Joseph
One Christmas, a boy cast as Joseph in the church pageant fell ill, and the director, pressed for time, decided to remove Joseph from the script altogether. Surprisingly, few even noticed his absence—a reflection of how Joseph’s contributions are often overlooked.
Yet, the Bible provides enough to paint a picture of Joseph as a man of humility, faith, and quiet strength. Though little is written about him, we know he was poor, evidenced by the offering of two doves—a sacrifice permissible for those of limited means—when presenting Jesus at the temple.
Joseph in Scripture
Joseph is first mentioned in the account of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary:
After Gabriel’s announcement, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth for three months. Upon returning to Nazareth, she was visibly pregnant. This revelation would soon confront Joseph:
The Cultural Context of Joseph’s Dilemma
Understanding Joseph’s situation requires recognizing the customs of Jewish marriage at the time, which consisted of three phases:
- Espousal: Arranged by parents, often while children were still young.
- Betrothal: A formal engagement lasting about a year, during which the couple remained apart but were legally bound. Breaking a betrothal was considered equivalent to divorce.
- Marriage: The final union, including the physical consummation of the relationship.
When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant during the betrothal period, he faced an agonizing decision. Scripture highlights his righteousness and compassion, as he initially planned to divorce her quietly to spare her public shame. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, assuring him of Mary’s faithfulness and God’s divine plan.
Joseph’s Silent Legacy
Joseph’s response to God’s call speaks louder than words. He obeyed the angel’s command, took Mary as his wife, and embraced the extraordinary role of raising Jesus. Though often overshadowed, Joseph’s faith, humility, and steadfastness make him a pivotal figure in the Christmas story.
This Christmas, let’s remember Joseph—the man God chose to be the earthly father of His Son—and honor his quiet but profound contribution to the story of our salvation.
