Christmas Reflections

"While Mary Sleeps--Morning"
The above artwork is by Lester Lee Yocum and prints can be purchased at http://lesteryocum.com

Of the various people mentioned in the "Christmas story" one that has been dear to my heart over the past few years is that of Joseph, he who was espoused to Mary and was to be the guardian of Jesus. From the little we know of him his actions prove what a strong and gentle man he was.

His humility and faith in keeping his engagement to Mary show his love for God as well as his bride.

The painting above is one I can easily picture in my mind as he cared for the babe as Mary rested.

When Joseph Went To Bethlehem :

(Children's Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38–39)

When Joseph went to Bethlehem

I think he took great care

To place his tools and close his shop

And leave no shavings there.

He urged the donkey forward,

Then, with Mary on its back,

And carried bread and goat cheese

In a little linen sack.

I think there at the busy inn

That he was meek and milk

And awed to be the guardian

Of Mary's sacred Child.

Perhaps all through the chilly hours

He smoothed the swaddling bands,

And Jesus felt the quiet strength of

Joseph's gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed

He dimmed the lantern's light,

And held the little Jesus close upon

That holy night.

In the Arms of Joseph 

I imagine that even someone that I suppose was as good as Joseph felt overwhelmed to be the helpmeet of Mary to raise the Savior of the World. Yet the scriptures tell us, " And Jesus ^aincreased in ^bwisdom and stature, and in ^cfavour with God and man. (Luke 2:52)" I do not doubt that the boy Jesus was taught by Joseph, both in things temporal and spiritual. 

Growing in Wisdom

(The above pieces of art are created by Simon Dewey. Prints can be purchased at 

http://www.altusfineart.com)

While it is mainly agreed that Joseph was deceased at the time of the crucifixion of Christ, the song below expresses so beautifully the emotions I suspect Joseph had knowing what would become of this chosen child.

Joseph ( I was not his Father, He was mine)

Michael McLean  

He was working late one evening

With the wood he knew so well

When she thought

she recognized him

Though at first,

She really couldn't tell

As she humbly begged his pardon

A strange sadness swelled inside

When she asked,

"aren't you the father

Of that man they crucified?"

Then the carpenter repeated

What he's said so many times

He said, "I as not His father,

He was mine."

Then he humbly went on working

With those worn

and caloused hands

Though she did not ask

more questions

He knew she didn't understand.

So he asked if she would help him

And he saw her answer

in a glance

She did all the chores

he asked her

She was so grateful for the chance

Then they talked for hours of Jesus

And how he knew He was divine

He said "I was not His father,

He was mine.

For how could one

So foolish and so flawed

Ever hope to raise

the Son of God?"

Then he spoke

of the misgivings

That he had had

a thousand times

And how Jesus found

the tender moments

To let him know

He had done just fine

And then the carpenter recited

The greatest truths

he'd ever learned

And testified

they all came form Jesus

And then her heart

within her burned

They embraced as she departed,

And Joseph told her one more time,

"Tell them I was not His father

Tell them He was mine

No, I was not His father,

He is mine."

To view a stunning portrayal of the traveling of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and for additional videos about the life of Jesus Christ visit:
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/