In the understandable attention given to Mary during Advent, Joseph's
role is sometimes overlooked -- but his compassion for Mary, his courage,
faith and obedience were instrumental to the Christmas story.
Mat 1:16 (NKJV) And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of
Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
Mat 1:18-21 (NKJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as
follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came
together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband,
being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded
to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and
you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
Mat 1:24 (NKJV) Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep,
did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and
did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called
His name JESUS.
Luke 2:33 (NKJV) And Joseph and His mother marveled at
those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said
to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising
of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.
Mat 2:13-15 (NKJV) Now when they had departed, behold,
an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take
the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring
you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him. When he arose,
he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt. And
was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My