Fathers, More Angels, and Names

 Joseph, the husband of Mary, has not had much mention is our story of shepherds and lambs, of the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, and of angels, but we will talk about his role in this Holy Family tonight.

What kind of man do you think our Heavenly Father would choose to be the mortal guardian of God's Only Begotten, a member of the Godhead in his own right?  I am sure that Joseph was a good man who could "hear Him".  We assume that Joseph was from the same little village of Nazareth as was his betrothed, Mary.  We are told that he was a carpenter-a laborer like most of those around him.  Matthew tells us that he was a "just man".  "Just" can mean to put things right, to be fair.  When he became aware that his Mary was expecting it says that he, being a just man, was "...not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily".  We do not know what this good man felt or understood or imagined, but it seems he was doing the best he could to be "just" and kind in this situation.  

Matthew continues "But while he thought on these things,"-let's stop here for a moment and consider what Joseph is doing.  And not doing.  He is not jumping into action and ranting and raving that life has not been "fair" to him.  He is thinking, considering, pondering.  Ok, on with the story- "...behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

I can't imagine all that good Joseph had to sort out.  An angel!  Mary's son to be He who saves his people from sin.  The name Jesus means "God is help" or Savior".  "Christ" is short for "the Christ", meaning "The Anointed", or "Savior".  This Babe to be born in a manger in Bethlehem would be Jesus the Christ, the Savior not only of the Israelites, but of everyone.  You. And me.  And Grandma.  Your siblings-yes, even the annoying one (which may well be you!).  Your good friends and your nemesis.  All of us to be given freedom from death and hell and a place we are willing to accept in heaven with our Father and our Brother the Lamb of God.

I don't know how much of this Joseph processed, but he did act.  When the Babe was eight days old He was given the name JESUS as instructed by the angel.

I haven't had an angelic visit-except for when the grandchildren come visit us-and I don't know if any of you have either, but I can only try to imagine the impact it would have on us.  We couldn't help but do what the angel would tell us, right?  Not so fast-I'm sure you can come up with stories from the scriptures where angelic visits were made and direction given-and not always followed.  Joseph chose to do what he should.  I hope to try to do the same, angelic visits or not.  You try your best, too, won't you?