Day 37 · The Nativity Fast
Joseph, Son of David
“But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.””Matthew 1:20-21
Reflection
Joseph is easy to overlook in the Christmas story, but he is a righteous man in a terribly hard position. He planned to spare Mary public shame by quietly ending their betrothal; then God spoke to him in a dream, and he obeyed. The Gospels do not record a single word he said. The Church honours him as Joseph the Betrothed, guardian of the Virgin and the Child. Faithfulness often looks like Joseph: quiet, practical obedience, doing the next right thing for the people God has put in our care.
A prayer
Lord, give me the quiet faithfulness of righteous Joseph. When I do not understand your plan, let me still obey. Help me to protect and care for those you have entrusted to me. Amen.
Carry this with you
Who has God put in your care? How can you serve them quietly today?