Prophets of Advent: Joseph

Joseph, husband of Mary, is not usually thought of as a prophet.  He is also the most overlooked figure in the stories of Advent and Christmas.  His wife Mary, the newborn Christ Child, the angel Gabriel, the shepherds, the magi, even the oxen and asses in the stable at Bethlehem get more attention that Joseph.   Why?

Joseph is quiet.  He is not quoted in either Matthew or Luke's gospels, and does not appear in Mark or John, or anywhere else in the New Testament.

Joseph is just.  When he learns that his wife-to-be Mary is pregnant, and he knows he is not responsible, he decided to to embarrass her and just divorce her without public notice.  But in a dream the angel of the Lord instructs him to go ahead with the planned wedding even though Mary is pregnant, and take Mary (and baby) into his family.

Joseph loved Mary, his wife.  His love was that of service and unassuming care.  He provided for her and Jesus's material needs, and their spiritual needs.

Joseph is the faithful head of household.  Joseph does as the Lord says, and by naming the first-born baby and assuming paternity, becomes the devoted foster-father of Jesus in Nazareth.  

Joseph is a hard worker.  He was a wood-worker, or carpenter.  Some speculate that he made objects for the home, as well as caskets.  So that Jesus would have a trade with which to feed himself as an adult, like generations of fathers Joseph taught Jesus his wood-working skills.  I often think of Joseph and Jesus as having heavily callused hands, from their laboring with wood.

Joseph was a teacher of prayers.  Joseph and Mary were faithful Jews.  It was the responsibility of the father to teach his children the ways of faith, to believe in the Lord God.  Joseph, like most Jews of his time, probably could not read or write.  But he undoubtedly memorized the prayers and psalms, and taught what he prayed to Jesus.

Joseph was humble.  Only a truly humble man could do all that Joesph did, without fanfare, or complaint, or argument with God.

What does St. Joseph teach us about Advent.  The virtues of Joseph are the virtues of the followers of the Christ Child.  These are:  to be quiet (let others speak); be listeners to the will of God for us; just; dedicated family members; hard workers; faithful members of our religious community; devoted pray-ers; teachers of prayers to others; humble of heart; and lovers of Mary, the mother of God.  These virtues imitate the ways and teachings of Jesus, who was raised so well by his foster-father Joseph.