Joseph--husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus...

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 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." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 NKJV

I've been thinking some about Joseph lately as I prepared for the celebration of CHRISTmas. I've decided the man has been somewhat short-changed. We all know him as the earthly (step)father of Jesus but he really was a humble & godly man.

Think about it--he & Mary weren't married & he knew they had not been intimate so there was no chance the child she was carrying was his own. Imagine that--your fiancee is pregnant & you're not the father. Joseph & Mary lived in a time that was more then simply scandalous--that type of thing was not accepted and more than an embarassment. I'm sure they both endured much ridicule & were the subject of tremendous gossip. No wonder he considered "putting her away" to avoid bringing shame on either of them.

Yet, when the angel visited him and made him aware that Mary was indeed carrying the child of GOD and instructed him to take Mary as his wife--he obeyed. He did this knowing what people would think & say. He subjected himself to much in order to be obedient to GOD. Not only that, but after taking her as his wife--he restrained himself from "knowing her" sexually, until after the child was born that she would retain her virginal status.

Later, Joseph was visted again by an angel and instructed to flee to Egypt in order to protect the child from evil King Herrod. Again, he obeyed and did as instructed. When it was safe for them to return, yet another angel appeared to him to make him aware that they could in fact return to Israel. Joseph was visited multiple times by GOD's messengers. I take that to mean he was in tune, so to speak, with GOD--otherwise he wouldn't have been privy to those angelic visitations. GOD only communicates with those who know him. What a reward he got for his obedience--he got to raise the Son of GOD in his home. There is no mention of Joseph beyond Jesus' twelfth year. It is assumed that he died relatively young but what a reward he must have received at his heavenly homecoming!

Oh that I might be more of a Joseph! GOD--grant me the wisdom to be the humble, obedient, godly man that he was. Give me the strength and fortitude to endure whatever comes my way in this life that I might also bring honor to your name through my unworthy efforts.

Much has happened--much that is beyond my control--in many ways, I feel robbed, although I know that among men--I am truly blessed if for no other reason than that I am GOD's child and my future is secure in His hands.

Blessings!
Tony

Joyful Sorrow?

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b NKJV

Well, CHRISTmas is fast approaching--yet another "first" for me in life since Dee's passing. Frankly, I have good days & bad days still. I assume that is normal--whatever normal is. I'm attempting to continue on with my life--I know that is what Dee would want. I also know I can't be effective in GOD's mission for my life if I wallow forever in grief and self-pity. While she will ever be a part of me, I must continue this journey alone. That is evidently GOD's plan...

I've done most of my shopping, mailed CHRISTmas cards, decorated as much as I plan to and even gotten the gifts I purchased wrapped. Yes, I wrapped them--you'd have to know that being the perfectionist I am, gift wrapping would be something I do. I realize it's not exactly a manly talent but I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit it.

I suppose I'll be creating some new traditions--I'm not sure what they'll be yet. Obviously, things will be different for me this year. I've given thought to volunteering at a mission or taking meals to shut-ins--I'm not certain what the final outcome will be. I try to live out the acronym for JOY--Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, then Yourself. Knowing and sharing Jesus is my first priority. I do my best to think of & do what I can for others. As for myself, I lack little materially--GOD has blessed me and my needs are always met.

I suppose it is possible to be both joyful and sorrowful at the same time. I possess the joy of the Lord. In Him, I truly do live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28). At the same time, I still grieve and have sorrow over the loss of my wife. Yet, even so--I know her pain and suffering are no more and she is happy and whole in the presence of our Lord and celebrating with the saints who have gone on before. So, my emotions are somewhat of a roller-coaster ride or like the ebb and flow of the tide. Granted, it is difficult to understand unless you've experienced it for yourself.

GOD has a unique plan for each of us and while we cannot fully understand it, He does what He does & allows what He allows as part of that great plan. Our part is simply to trust and follow Him in the good times and in the bad. I'm reminded of an old hymn, "Simply Trusting Every Day"...

1)Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(Chorus)
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2)Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3)Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4)Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Just take it one day at a time--that's all we really have so we need to make the most of it. May the warmth of GOD's great love lead, guide and direct you through the Holiday season and into a blessed & prosperous New Year!

Blessings!
Tony