405 Fourth Thursday of Advent: Joseph

If Christmas has come, skip to our final video on the Nativity. If Christmas hasn't come, On this fourth Thursday of Advent, we can remember Saint Joseph
the ornament for today should represent saint joseph (carpenter's tools).

The story of Saint Joseph is a significant narrative in Christian tradition. Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus Christ and the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Joseph was a righteous and faithful man who lived in the town of Nazareth. He was a carpenter by trade and known for his integrity and devotion to God. According to the Gospel accounts, Joseph was engaged to Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. Initially troubled and unsure about the situation, Joseph planned to quietly end their engagement to protect Mary's reputation.

However, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and reassured him that Mary's pregnancy was the result of the Holy Spirit, and that she would give birth to the Son of God. The angel instructed Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus, which means "Savior."

Joseph faithfully obeyed the angel's message and took Mary as his wife. He played a vital role in protecting and caring for Mary and Jesus throughout their lives. Joseph traveled with Mary to Bethlehem for the census, where Jesus was born in a manger. He also protected the family by fleeing to Egypt when King Herod sought to kill the infant Jesus.

Joseph is often depicted as a loving and devoted father figure, providing for and guiding Jesus as He grew up. Though not much is known about Joseph's later life, it is believed that he died before Jesus began His public ministry.

The story of Saint Joseph teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, Joseph's obedience and trust in God's plan highlight the importance of faith and surrendering to God's will, even when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances.

Secondly, Joseph's role as a nurturing father figure exemplifies the significance of strong and loving family relationships. He cared for and protected Mary and Jesus, demonstrating the importance of sacrificial love within families.

Lastly, Joseph's humility and righteousness serve as an inspiration for us to lead lives of integrity and righteousness in our own relationships with God and others.

While the story of Saint Joseph is not extensively detailed in the Bible, his presence and influence in Jesus' life are significant. The accounts of Joseph can be found primarily in the Gospels of Matthew (chapters 1-2) and Luke (chapter 2).