Joseph: The Unsung and Underrated Christmas Hero

Daily Devotional – Sunday, December 26, 2021

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Matthew 1:19 (NKJV)

The Christmas story usually revolves around Jesus, Mary, the magi and the shepherds. We pay little attention to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. A deeper examination of scripture reveals Joseph is the unsung and underrated hero of Christmas and the early life of Jesus.

Picture this. A man is engaged to marry a virgin. He realizes the girl is pregnant and he is not the father of the unborn child. Joseph has no reason to marry Mary anymore. The he remembers that under Jewish law, his ‘wayward’ bride will be stoned to death.

Joseph, a Just Man

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” Matthew 1:19 (NKJV). He did not expose Mary to ridicule and the risk of death. He wanted their breakup to be safe for Mary.

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21).

The Best Foster Father

Of all men in Judah those days, God chose Joseph to be the foster father to the Son of God. The Almighty knew that this man could endure the 7o miles journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with the pregnant marry in tow.

God knew Jesus would be safe in the hands of Joseph. When Herod wanted to kill Jesus, God commanded Joseph, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2:13). Joseph obeyed and later brought His young family back to Nazareth.

Joseph and Jesus the Carpenters

As tradition demanded, Joseph, a carpenter, taught Jesus, his first-born son, the carpentry trade. The Bible does not mention Joseph in the later life of Jesus. It is likely he died before Jesus began His ministry.

We can deduce this from this statement by the people of Nazareth after Jesus began His ministry, “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3).

Joseph’s Character Traits

Joseph emerges as a righteous, considerate, wise and hardworking man and husband. He is also a committed father who gave Jesus and His half-siblings a decent, godly upbringing despite the prevailing poverty.

God raised Joseph for one of the most important responsibilities He could assign a human being – taking care of the young Jesus. If the list of heroes in Hebrews 13 was all-inclusive, I believe Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, would feature.

That is why Joseph is the unsung and underrated Christmas hero.

Can God trust us with His gospel the way He trusted Joseph with the life and upbringing of Jesus? Is the reputation of Jesus safe in your hands?

Almighty Father, make me Your faithful trusted servant like Joseph.