Sunday, December 11, 2022
“Joy in the Journey”
St. Joseph: Husband to Mary and (earthly) Father to Jesus. Though only mentioned a few times, Joseph is famous to this day and a character in every Christmas pageant and Nativity scene. We recognize Joseph’s importance, but we know very little about him.
Who was this Joseph? What happened to him? What kind of dad was he for Jesus? How did he provide for and protect Mary and Jesus? What was it like for him to make simple, daily decisions regarding the welfare of his family, especially the promised one, Little Jesus? Did Joseph teach the Son of God how to serve as a carpenter? Did he take Jesus fishing?
Joseph is always present in our Christmases, but in just a page or two, he completely disappears from the story of Jesus. Yet, in the context of the Christmas journey, Joseph might be the character most relatable to us.
It couldn’t have been easy to parent Jesus. Any dad will admit that their children have taught them patience and humility. For Joseph, parenting must have been a mix of wonder with dumbfounded speechlessness. Have you ever had trouble with technology that required the aid of someone a bit younger? Did Jesus teach Joseph a thing or two about which trees were strongest or most pliable?
Challenge, awkwardness, and struggle would be just some of the undesired guests in Joseph’s home. There may have been unhappy times. They might have experienced sickness, struggle, and pain. Though God would be present, Joseph is still human. No part of this journey would be easy, yet somehow, Joseph would find a way to lead his family with Joy.
Like Joseph, our lives aren’t always happy or easy. Sometimes we have bad days. People, friends, or even family may hurt us deeply. Sometimes we sleep through our alarms and other times have to work late on our least-favorite project. But just like Joseph, we can choose to embrace Joy. Like Joseph, we also have a place in God’s Divine plan. Our lives are significant in God’s story. Somehow, God will take care of what we need. Like Joseph, we can know the confidence and strength only found in the lasting Joy of the LORD.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)