A Quiet Faith: Remembering Joseph
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20–21 (NIV)
Think of your favorite Christmas hymns and songs. Are any of them about Joseph? There are well-known hymns about the Christ Child, Mary, the shepherds, angels, a star, three kings from the Orient, the night wind, Jeanette Isabella, and even a boy who plays his drum for Jesus. But I don’t know any Christmas songs about Joseph.
Joseph often stands quietly in the background of the Christmas story. He has no recorded words in Scripture, no song of praise like Mary’s, no dramatic announcement to the crowds. Yet God chose him for an extraordinary role in the story of salvation.
Joseph was chosen by God not because of power, position, or prestige, but because of his character. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. When he learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he faced heartbreak, and confusion, knowing he was not the baby’s father. He sought to protect Mary, and not cause her public shame. He wanted to act with justice and love for Mary.
When God spoke to Joseph through the angel’s message, Joseph obeyed without hesitation. He did not demand further explanation. He did not ask how this would affect his reputation or his future plans. He trusted God completely. In doing so, Joseph demonstrated a deep love for God—a love that listens and responds with faithful action.
Joseph also showed profound love for Jesus. Though Jesus was not his biological son, Joseph accepted the responsibility to name Him, protect Him, provide for Him, and raise Him. Joseph would become the earthly father who taught Jesus how to work. Jesus witnessed a life of prayer, obedience and faithfulness to God in Joseph. Through Joseph’s obedience, Jesus was welcomed into a home marked by faith, humility, and devotion.
Joseph reminds us that faithfulness often happens in quiet obedience. Not all acts of faith are celebrated or sung about, but they matter deeply to God. When we choose love over fear, obedience over understanding, and faith over recognition, we follow in Joseph’s footsteps.
Gracious God, thank You for the example of Joseph—his quiet faith, his loving heart, and his unwavering obedience. Teach us to trust You even when we do not fully understand Your plans. Help us to love others with compassion, to obey You without hesitation, and to serve You faithfully, even when no one is watching. May our lives reflect the same humble devotion that Joseph showed to You, to Mary, and to Jesus. Amen.