So as not to neglect St. Joseph this  Christmastide, herewith words from St. John's Anglican Church on Christmas Eve.

Christmastide, for Anglicans, lasts until January 6: the Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The flesh and blood leading roles in the Nativity play, of course, are the Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. All commentators have noted that, while St. Luke tells the story of the Nativity from the point of view of Mary, St. Matthew tells it from that of Joseph. This Gospel tells us almost all that is recorded of his character. Joseph was a "just" man, that is to say, he upheld "justice," that is the Law and the Prophets. He was betrothed to a young woman found to be pregnant, a legally binding contract voidable only by a "bill of divorcement." (Deut. 24:1) Certainly her well-being, if not her life, was in danger, should the Law of Moses be applied strictly. Tradition holds that Joseph was a middle-aged man, and finds support in his careful deliberation. He balanced the claims of justice and compassion, he "thought on these things," unwilling to act on literal or mechanical impulse. St. Matthew pictures Joseph as being guided by a dream. Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She's a good woman. The Holy Ghost, the creative power of God, is at work. Call him Jesus, the salvation of Jehovah... not an uncommon name among the Jews in its Greek and Hebrew form, Joshua.  But this Jesus was to save his people, not from Roman rule or from problems and dangers but from spiritual enemies that imperiled its life more deeply. The note added by Matthew about the prophet Isaiah is significant: "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." The main thought of the prophet seems to be that a child shall be born whose coming shall express the idea of the Divine Presence with Israel." Joseph gave the protection of marriage to Mary, perhaps the supreme example of the way God works, through human agency.  Joseph's choice to stand by Mary crowned him with honor no king can claim. He lived to see the child Jesus "in His Father's House" (Luke 2:49)  Like Mary, Joseph failed to comprehend Christ's ironic question, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my father's house?" Then Joseph's  figure recedes into the background. His job was done. Probably he died before our Lord's public ministry began. 


May the blessings of Christmas remain with you throughout the New Year!