December 23: Joseph
Traditional Ornament: Carpenter’s Tools
Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Matthew 1:24)
In Matthew’s gospel, he begins by recording the genealogy of Jesus through his adoptive father, Joseph, tracing his roots back through the house of David to Abraham. Matthew also tells us that Mary was betrothed to Joseph. In the Old Testament, this meant something more than a modern-day engagement. Betrothal was basically the first stage of marriage. A couple who were betrothed had been legally married in front of witnesses, however, the bride would have continued to live in the home of her parents. After a year, the wedding was officially celebrated in the tradition referred to in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where the groom ceremonially goes to the home of his bride’s parents and bring his wife back to his home where they would live together as husband and wife.
Since they were already legally married, Joseph had decided to quietly divorce Mary when he learned of her pregnancy. Otherwise, there would be no need for a divorce. But, Joseph had a dream that changed everything. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus.” (Matthew 1: 20-21)
The Bible contains no direct spoken word of Joseph, but his actions speak volumes. Upon waking from the dream, he did not hesitate. He dutifully obeyed and he continued to obey God’s commands throughout Jesus’ life. Like Mary his bride, Joseph let his faith and trust in God guide his actions.
© 2017 Catechist’s Aide
Leave a Reply