Last Christmas season, our pastor did a sermon where he dug into… no, not Jesus, but JOSESPH.  He encouraged us to consider the birth of Jesus from his earthly father’s point of view.  It was an interesting concept for me, and actually encouraged me to write a short (very short!) Biblical fiction novella.  

Joseph had every right to divorce Mary after he learned that she was pregnant.  The culture they lived in was a shame/honor culture, meaning that a person’s social status was influenced by their perceived honor.  Mary’s pregnancy out of wedlock would have brought immense shame – to her, to her family, and to Joseph.  

However, God had other plans.  Joseph put aside what he had learned about shame and honor, and learn to obey God.  While he did so, he was humble.  

Having a pregnant fiancé in that culture could have easily caused a lot of problems for Joseph.  Although we don’t know for sure, it easily could have made people not want to do business with Joseph – a man of perceived low discipline.  

There is no proof that there inability to find room in the inn was caused by her pregnancy, but it could have played a part.  (Bethlehem was also very crowded for the census, so it could also be that it was just that crowded.)

Yet Joseph remained faithful to God.  He trusted God, whom he probably called Yahweh, to take care of him, his wife, and his child.

Some of the timelines in the story may be off a little.  We don’t know if Joseph and Mary were married or still engaged when they made it to Bethlehem.  (And since their culture was so different than ours in regards to their marriage customs, honestly, I get a little confused by it.)

There is so much we could learn from Joseph.  His humility.  His faithfulness.  His honor (in God’s eyes, if not man’s).  His quiet strength.  

As we near Christmas, yes, it is all about Jesus.  Please don’t hear me say otherwise!  But I also want you to consider Joseph.  What can you learn from him?

If nothing else, we should be encouraged to obey God. No matter the cost.