Advent -Joseph’s Dream

In the Bible, book of Matthew, chapter one, verses 18-25, we find the story of Joseph. He was to be married to Mary, but learns that she is pregnant. The “just” thing to do, according to the religious law in his time, would be to have her stoned out in the streets! But Joseph, being a “just” man (verse 19) did not want to put her to shame and was going to divorce her quietly. Then he had a dream in which the Angel said, “Don’t be afraid!”. Joseph was to take Mary for his wife. She was conceived by the Holy Spirit and will bear a son. “Call his name Jesus. He will save his people from their sin.”

Here are some artist’s images of the dream…

This is the earliest painting, located in Florence, Italy, artist unknown and from the 10th century b.c. The Angel is shot down from heaven like a lightning bolt and Joseph appears to be knocked out cold, perhaps even dead in his coffin. Well, those very early Christians probably understood best how devasting this news would have been for Joseph!

( from “My Son, My Savior” by Calvin Miller, illustrated by Ron DiCianni)

It seems here that the young teen Angel is sent on his first tough mission. He is whispering, trying to break this news gently, but Joseph is in real pain over hearing it, grasping his pillow tightly. NO, it can’t be true!

(from “The Story of Christmas” by Felix Hoffman)

Here the Angel is doing her best to get Joseph to open at least one peeper and pay attention to the news. Joseph seems to be at peace, but out like a light!

I love this one from “Voices of Christmas” by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. In the text is the voice of Joseph who has awakened from his dream saying, ” I awake, certain as sky that I’ve had more than a dream. I wait for this mighty mystery to unfold. For now, this one thing I know: I am ready now to do whatever Jehovah tells me to.”

Yes! Joseph has been called! And as crazy and uncertain as any call can be, the one certain thing is that you have to do what God is calling you to do. You can do nothing less. Step out and trust that God will see you through.