"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of

the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph,

thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife;

for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

.......Matthew 1: 20.

 

Joseph  was a Carpenter from Nazareth,  who was a man of firm principles.  

He had very strong beliefs, as we see in God's Holy Word.  Joseph was a descendant of King

 David, and is seen as a man of integrity.  We see he was only the legal, or earthly father of

Jesus, according to man's laws; and recognized God as Father of the Christ child. 

Joseph  followed God's  leading in accepting the report of the Lord and bringing up

 this child of God, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of a virgin.

 

When Joseph first learned that Mary, his finance, was with child; he thought of  breaking

his engagement, but decided he would do it quietly.  He did not want to publicly disgrace her.

This shows us his concern and care for the one He had loved enough to ask for

her hand in marriage.  He must have seen the attitude she displayed when telling him

about the child she carried.   Joseph knew this was not his child, but would have to

believe it was the child of God, which would  have been hard to believe without

God's help and understanding.  The Lord's plan was to work all things out according

to His marvelous plan of salvation.

 

As Joseph  pondered on all these things, he fell into a dream and beheld an angel beside

him, which spoke unto him.  The angel told him not to hesitate to take Mary as his wife,

for the child that she carried within her, was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 

 

It took a man of great faith to receive the words of the angelic messenger.   Joseph realized

he would face the opposition of family and those around him.  It also took faith to believe this child

 would be the Son of the Living God, through the power of the Holy Ghost.   Joseph knew he

 was to obey the words given, as those from the Lord, and realized they confirmed Mary's story to him.

 

  In his heart, he knew Jesus had to be special, when he heard the announcement of the angel. 

 His strong beliefs must have been the reason he was chosen to be the earthly Father

 of Jesus, as we see the faith he exhibited in all his actions.   God knows who will believe

His report and trust in Him to work all things out for good.  He selects men and women

of  faith for all his plans on earth.  This holy child which Joseph received as God's Son,

sent from the Father; was the way of salvation for all mankind.

 

From the life of Joseph, we see integrity and know that God honors integrity.

We also see that one's social position or standing in life is of little importance, when

God decides to use them for his purposes.  When one listens and heeds the advice and

guidance of the Lord, the Lord will continue to lead them in right paths and ways, as

he did Joseph. 

 

We can also have strong beliefs and know that the same child, born of Mary, grew up to be

 not only her Son, but her Savior.  The child that Mary carried was the one who carried 

 the sins of the world to Calvary's cross.   He is also our Savior and Lord, as we trust in Him,    

 

 A Wonderful Savior is Jesus our Lord.  May our beliefs in Him be increased not

only in this season, but  each new day.  We have a great treasure within our

 hearts, which is greater than all the riches of this world.  May we let Christ  increase

daily in our lives.  All things are possible if we only believe Jesus is Lord!

 

Copyright  2005 by Jo Ann Kelly