Consider Joseph

(Click Here to listen to a podcast of this blog.)

Joseph was the first to hold the Christ-child. He was the only one there to assist Mary with the birth and delivery of her baby.  

The first human touch Christ received was the gentle stroking and washing and swaddling performed by Joseph.  He had strong hands – especially after wielding those heavy hammers day after day.  But his gentle side was present as he held Jesus.  

He probably soothed him with gentle words.  He was careful to not let his head drop, and he fussed over the strips of cloth to make sure as much of Jesus was covered as possible.  Perhaps, he stripped off his own outer cloak and pressed it around the baby for added warmth.  

He gently suggested that Mary get some rest while he cared for the little one.  

He cared for God.  

God in the flesh – and Joseph wiped his face, he rubbed his feet, he allowed God to curl his tiny fingers around his big strong little finger.  He rustled around in the drafty barn for the cloth strips, and he found a bucket and stool and milked one of the cows – just to feed his son – yet he was feeding God.  

God as a baby – God coming to man. 

Joseph was the first one to touch the face of God.

Did you know?

Did he really understand?

Somehow, I think he did. 

Did he have visions of this baby mimicking him in the workshop – hitting his thumb and doing that little dance jig Joseph did every time that happened?

Perhaps he did.

He was Father to the Father’s son.  What might have been his thoughts as the Christ-child lay sleeping?  

Was the lantern turned up too brightly?  

Was it disturbing his sleep?  

Was he warm enough?  

Had he had enough milk?  

Were the baby’s cries disturbing Mary’s sleep?  She was so tired – exhausted after the long journey and then the delivery.  

Yet all the while, baby Jesus slept.  It was a peaceful sleep, for his Father was on duty,

both of them.

P Michael Biggs

A Word of Hope

At Christmas