Matthew tells us the story of Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s perspective. Joseph is confronted with a situation that seems scandalous: Joseph is engaged to be married to Mary. Mary has been found to be pregnant, and not by him. His initial plan is to quietly dismiss her, protecting her dignity but still following the law of Moses. But God interrupts Joseph’s plan with a dream, revealing that this child is from the Holy Spirit. Joseph is invited to trust, to obey, and to embrace a future he never imagined.
We look back on this story with 2000 years of history having heard this year after year. As a result it can lose the impact of what Joseph was really going through. But put yourself in Joseph’s shoes telling your family that you were visited by angels and that your fiancé is pregnant with God’s child, conceived by God’s Holy Spirit. Joseph’s greatness lies not in words—he speaks none in the Gospels. His words are not important —but in his faith and actions are what define him. He listens, he trusts, and he obeys. An example for all of us to display – Listening to God. Trusting God. Obeying God.
Joseph’s obedience is immediate and complete: He takes Mary as his wife. He names the child Jesus, fulfilling the angel’s command. He becomes protector of the Holy Family by escaping to Egypt. Joseph models what it means to live by faith: He doesn’t have all the answers, but trusts God’s word enough to act. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “They shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us.” It is the same promise that Jesus will confirm at his ascension to the right hand of God – I am with you always.
This is the heart of the Christmas message: God does not remain distant. He enters into our human story, into the messiness of scandal, fear, and uncertainty. Through Jesus, God is with us—sharing our joys, bearing our burdens, and redeeming our brokenness. As the Book of Hebrews affirms – For we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses, tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
So what does this mean for us? Like Joseph, we often have plans that are disrupted. God’s call may lead us into unexpected paths. Faith may require saying “yes” even when we don’t see the whole picture. Joseph teaches us that holiness is not always noticeable. Sometimes it is quiet faithfulness, steady obedience, and humble service. But it also means that in times of loneliness, grief, or uncertainty, Emmanuel reminds us that we are never alone.
God is present in the ordinary and the difficult moments of life. Joseph’s story invites us to step into the mystery of God’s plan with courage. The child born of Mary is not just for Joseph and Mary, not just for Israel, but for the world, as Paul says in our 2nd reading: Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace. Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He affirms that promise in your baptism – I am with you always till the end of the age.
So as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, may we, like Joseph, listen for God’s voice, trust His promises, and live faithfully in the quiet strength of God’s grace.
