What kind of love surfaces within the story of Christmas?
God’s Love… coming from heaven, bringing salvation to mankind, reconciling across the great divide between Holy God and sinful man.
A Mother’s Love … Mary’s love for the newborn Jesus, a child she did not expect to have, coming at an unexpected time, beset with difficulties.
Josephs’s love, one that came from a caring heart, as a self sacrificial love that the Hebrew’s call “Hesed“, (a benevolence which comes to the aid of those in need).
Today I’d like us to consider this kind of love, and one of the people that God chose to have a special place with relationship with Him.
Meditation on Joseph
Think of this:
God chose certain people, like Abraham, whom He called His Friend;David, whom He called “A man after my own heart”, and now Joseph… one who was to have the most important part to play. This man was to fill the earthly role of father, for the family that God’s Only Begotten Son would be completely dependent upon for guidance and provision.
The father of a family steps in as God’s representative to fulfill many of the responsibilities that God has for us as his creation. Joseph had no duty to do so, but he accepted on his own shoulders a very serious part in God’s plan. One that involved laying aside his own plans and dreams.
Many men will sacrifice for a chance at their own glory. Joseph’s name is remembered throughout eternity for laying aside his rights and his own plans to fulfill the most important task, that of caring for Mary, the mother of Jesus, and giving the kind of protection and support only a man may give. He showed himself strong when he traveled with a very pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. He did not ask to take part in Caesar’s tax, or to raise this surprising child, or to help with a birth in a stable.
But this was a man who came through. He was dependable and stepped into very demanding circumstances.
Joseph showed love in a very special way. In the way that exemplified Christmas, long before it became celebrated.
Candle of Love Devotionals from the past:
Todays’ Christmas Carol
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
