Joseph. The guy gets third billing, if he’s lucky. We spend more time celebrating the angels, the shepherds, the wise men. Chuches spend more time figuring out ways to bring live animals into the sanctuary than talking about Joseph. First off, the guy was righteous. He followed after God first. Did he consider what others thought? Sure! He was human. But, he acted in ways that far exceeded what others would do or think. Not only was Mary chosen, but Joseph as well. In a male oriented/donimated society, Mary was nothing. She was despised for being female, not just for getting pregnant out of wedlock. What Joesph did was perhaps even more compelling. He fought to save the beauty (as Eldridge would say). He rescued Mary. He married her immediately after finding the truth from the angel. Wow. Guts. So, first of all, he followed God. When God spoke, Joseph answered and acted. Without question. Secondly, he acted in the best interest of his family. We’re told he was a carpenter. But nowhere do we get the idea that Joseph was acting in what he felt was best for him. What he needed to have his needs met. He married the mother of another’s child, he cared for her (well, he forgot to get reservations in Bethlehem), he traveled as God directed to keep her and the Child safe. Nowhere do we get any idea that Joseph acted selfishly. Nowhere even close. And lastly, he went back, but never looked back. He didn’t second guess. He did what he needed to do. He was the ultimate real man.
