Christmas Story Part Two: Listening to God
Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus. We know little about him, but we do know that he listened to what God was saying to him. And did what God asked him to do. When considering Joseph, listening and trying to do what God wants out of us is a part of the Christmas Story.
The angel Gabriel, came to Mary and told her that she was going to have a miracle child. His name would be called Jesus. And that He would save us from our sins. Mary was confused because she was a virgin. But she believed what the angel told her.
Mary was engaged to Joseph at the time. So you can imagine what Joseph thought when he found out that Mary was pregnant. He knew it wasn’t him and the story she gave him about a virgin birth was fantastical, to say the least. Joseph mulled this over and decided to break off the engagement. He intended to do this privately, minimizing embarrassment and reproach that Mary might experience from people. Joseph was a kind and sensitive man.
Although these are admirable attributes, there is more to Joseph than this. He knew how to listen to God and do what God asked him to do. While Joseph thought about the best way to move forward with his plan, the angel came to him in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph wed Mary right away without consummating the union until Jesus was born.
After Jesus was born, the child was in danger. Herod heard about Jesus from the Wise Men and was hunting for the child in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Once again, God tells Joseph to flee to Egypt. He does it. Then while in Egypt God speaks to him again and leads him back home. He settles in Nazareth. Joseph was a listener and a follower of God’s Word.
Joseph C. Hutchison
