Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Joseph Was ‘The Man’

“Dad sure doesn’t get much credit for his role in the most important happening of all time.”

It’s Christmas, as if not obvious with all of the commercial rigmarole going on for months now. Most have “spirit,” of sorts, for the season.

But,  sadly, few will reflect, and sadder, others don’t even know, what the celebration is all about.

Of course, Christmas is the birthday party for Jesus Christ, savior of the world, as a human, flesh and blood, offering  life eternal to all.

Recognized, hopefully reflected, and portrayed in some churches and homes, momma Mary with unborn, traveling to Bethlehem on a donkey, being forced to stay in the barn, birthing a newborn, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and sleeping in a cow manger, with the North Star guiding admirers from afar.

But, Mary’s husband Joseph, a humble carpenter chosen to serve as earthly father to Jesus, scarcely gets mention.

Underappreciated, generally forgotten, daddy Joseph ought to be acknowledged as a most influential divine person of this festivity for 2015 years.

A simple, honest, hard-working, God-fearing man, with a warm heart, Joseph, observant of Jewish law,  answered what he rightly perceived the direct call of God.

An indistinct figure in the Bible, Joseph’s whole-hearted reconciliation to Mary, even in the face of possible slandering’s by his neighbors, complete self-sacrifice, verify Joseph’s worthiness imposed by the Eternal Father.

Appropriate to review Matthew 1:20-23: “God’s angel spoke in the dream, Joseph, don’t hesitate to get married. God’s Holy Spirit has made the virgin Mary with child. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus, God Saves, because He will save his people from their sins. This will bring the prophet’s sermon to full term: They will name him Immanuel,  God is with us.”

Then, Matthew 1:24-25: “Joseph did  exactly what God’s angel commanded. He married Mary, but did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.”

Another insisted: “Let us give credit where credit is due, never forgetting lowly Joseph’s important role in Christmas, and the willingness to faithfully follow the  call of God then, and days and years after, always obeying His spiritual directions.”

Reminds us again of Isaiah 14:24: “This is ‘The Plan.’ Load up and always do as asked.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

IX–51–12-20-15

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