Joseph has always impressed me. He had found the love of his life, was doing everything by the book, got the news of his life and handled numerous angelic visits without falling apart. 

I believe that men are different from women. (I can see your eyes rolling!!)

We were in the Atlanta airport a few weeks ago, waiting for our flight home. A young couple was sitting across from us, both of them fiddling with their phones. I could see them watching us eating our sandwiches and splitting the fruit cup that we had bought for lunch. As they watched us, I watched them. 

She had perfect nails – French tips. And, her make up was a little overdone for the clothing she was wearing. He was spinning his wedding ring. I smiled at them and asked where they were headed. “Pensacola Beach,” they replied. And, then I went for it. 

“Honeymoon?” They smiled back and said “Yes.” We learned that they had been married for two days and had gotten up really early to catch their flight. They had left the cold temperatures of the upper mid-west and were hoping for some Florida warmth. It looked like they were going to get some sunny days at the beach. 

As we went back to our own activities, I kept stealing glances at the new husband. He told us that he was a farmer and that neither of them had been to Florida before. It was easy to notice that this husband of two days was protecting his bride, helping her with her bags and listening as she talked about what friends had worn to the wedding service. 

Jospeh not only had the love of his life to worry about, but a new baby too. It seems to me that each time God sent guidance to Joseph that Joseph said through his actions, “Got it, Boss.” And, he did get it! Joseph listened and obeyed.

I have been blessed by knowing some amazing men. (Yep, I’ve known some jerks, too.). But amazing Men of God I have know have done things that I would never have tried. They have carried burdens that would break me. They have remained silent when enraged. They have spoken in times of sorrow and pain when there were no words. They have worked in the cold, in the rain and alone late into the night. Men of God are humble and strong. They have faith beyond reason and love beyond measure. 

As we look at that little Nativity set on the shelf, make sure to notice Joseph. He may be standing in the shadows, silent and ignored, but remember that he is so very busy, caring about his family, listening for God’s guidance, getting ready for whatever is next. 

Love,

Jill (just on of God’s kids)

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“Then Joseph, her fiancé, being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn’t want to publicly disgrace her.

“As he lay awake considering this, he fell into a dream, and saw an angel standing beside him. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “don’t hesitate to take Mary as your wife! For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.

“And she will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus meaning ‘Savior’, for he will save his people from their sins.

“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded and brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her Son was born; and Joseph named him “Jesus.”” (Matthew 1:19-21, 24-25)(Matthew 1:19-21, 24-25)