"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
Matthew 1: 24, 25
Everytime I see a depiction of the Holy Family, Joseph seems to take a back seat. He stands off to the side, idly looking down at the mother and child.
But I see him as a man of great courage, strength and faith. He had to fight social ostracization and family scorn as he struggled to comprehend Mary's pregnancy. He had to lay aside his own plans as he had to flee to Egypt, then settle in Nazareth, yet he faithfully stepped up to the plate and did all he was commanded. Without Joseph, there is no "family"; how could Mary have done all this on her own?
The next time you see a nativity scene, study the face of Joseph and appreciate all he did in the name of the Lord. I'd like to have such faith!
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