The First of Advent - Joseph

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  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.'  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us.'  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus."    Matthew 1: 18 - 25

Today is the first of Advent and so begins the Christmas season (light 1 candle on the Advent Wreath).
Just think about the anxieties that Joseph must have had - not only before the angel visited him but also after.  He must have had that little voice going through his head saying "are you sure that was a dream?"  "Am I doing the right thing?" .....and on and on.  What wonderful faith Joseph had to totally trust that his dream was from God and to do exactly what our Lord asked him to.
Let's reflect on what the Lord has done for us through the birth of His son Jesus.



One candle has been lit on the Advent Wreath.

Advent Wreath
The Second of Advent - Mary
The Third of Advent - Baby Jesus
The Fourth of Advent - Shepherds