Mary I know, but Who is Saint Joseph
Article:The Vault | TheArtistsChateau.com
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
By tradition, many households celebrate Christmas and Christmas Eve with gift giving, gatherings of families, friends and loved ones… and the unions wouldn’t be complete without hearty platters filled with dishes of delight.
We look forward to these times. The “Christmas Cheer” … the expectation of gifts to treasure, the fragrant aromas of the meals that will soon be feasted upon. So we pray that comfort arrives to those that are suffering and that charity is extended to those in need, and that compassion is shared to those whose hearts are diminished. It can be daunting to our esteem to consider “Saving the World”. But the Good News is: We Weren’t Made for That. The Reason for ‘Tis CHRISTmas Season satisfies a Savior. We all do have a part though- acts of kindness, cheerful and tender hearts, helping hands, kind ears, … and mostly: mindful to share about the Gift of Salvation. It is truly the Gift that keeps giving.
But let’s go Back.
Mary – Mother of Jesus. We are familiar. We’ve heard the story. Traveling for miles… for days, on a donkey. No room at the inn. The manger… and only able to wrap the baby in swaddling clothes.
So what is there to say of Joseph?
Protector and Provider are a few descriptions that come to mind when one might think about a spouse. When I think about the plight of Mary, Mother of Jesus, …being heavy with pregnancy…and all the realities and concerns that come with it – the magnitude is serious.
Joseph is certainly a faithful character. Honoring his promise to take the Virgin as his bride – he says committed through the knowledge that Mary is conceived byThe Holy Spirit with Baby Jesus.
The distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is about 80 miles. It is considered by some scholars that the travel breakdown may have accounted a walking pace of 2.5 mph accomplishing 20 miles per day. This accounting could make for a four day time span while moving along for eight hours each day.
All along, we can imagine that through sickness, weather, weariness and such – Joseph oversaw all aspects of their endeavor.
The care he displays … one can imagine his possible agony when he and Mary realize that there is no proper room and board available… and no available access to assistance for birthing. But concern and love does prevail. He is not defeated, although turned away from the inn – he faithfully searches. Seeking to provide a place that’s safe and accommodating.
It would seem that once the place was found, it was in the perfect time. The way for the baby’s arrival was set in motion. Holding Mary’s hand… encouraging her, dabbing her brow, and Remembering the words spoken to him by the Angel. Envisioning the promise for the world… and the promise for him and Mary. What an honor. What a Glorious event… unfolding in their lives. It must have felt surreal. But the aftermath must have continued to amplify the reality. Wise Men, Kings, Priests, Nobles and Prophets were arriving from far and wide. The recited their journey and the prophecies that were told of old. They came baring gifts, wealth, silver and gold – precious oils, praises and worship. They came to celebrate the arrival of The King. The One who would save the world. He would be the Savior of humanity!
Joseph would go on to provide an earthly home and mortal upbringing to the King made Flesh baby boy. By all accounts available to us, Joseph took heed to all that the Angel imparted to him. Whether our belief is that Jesus may have been a carpenter as well… I love the thought that This King has build the most sound escape plan and the most profound safe haven the world has ever known. Triumphant over any Garden of Eden, Impenetrable than any man made fortress or structure. Our King has Carved the way.
Saint Joseph is honored and known as the Patron Saint of Marriage, The Patron Saint of Fathers, Patron Saint of The Universal Church, The Patron Saint of Carpenters, The Patron Saint of Home Sales and The Patron Saint for a Happy Death. The latter is attributed to beliefs that Joseph passed away in the presence, comfort and arms of his wife “The Virgin” Mary and Jesus Christ – King and Savior of The World ….intimately known as LOVE.
