Joseph’s love

Laura Digan December 21, 2022 0 3

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Matthew 1: 18-25 (NRSVA)

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ 22 All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall name him Emmanuel’,

which means, ‘God is with us.’ 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

I follow a lot of horsey pages on social media. Often I see situations where a mare has died giving birth to a foal and a call then goes out to find a mare who has recently lost a foal to become a foster mum for the wee foal who has just lost his mum. People are so responsive and usually there will be an update to say a foster mum has been found and the pair have bonded. It is especially heartwarming when there is an accompanying video highlighting the love the pair have for each other, as if the mare had given birth to the foal herself. 

Life is messy, we all know this from our own families. Many of us live in blended families where we learn that love is love and love doesn’t have to have a blood connection. God knows this. I am sure that is why he chose Joseph to be the earthly father for Jesus.

Joseph, a good and righteous man who listened and obeyed God. Joseph, an example of manhood for Jesus. Joseph, who would love Jesus, God’s son, like he was his own flesh and blood. Joseph, an example for us all on how to love. 

PRAYER:

Ever loving God

Often Joseph is the overlooked person in the life story of Jesus. 

But YOU chose Joseph to be your son’s earthy Father. 

Help us Lord, to see what YOU see in Joseph. 

Help us to meditate on the many wonderful qualities of Joseph. 

Most of all Lord, help us to love like Joseph.

Amen