Daily Worship

Joseph

Alec Shuttleworth December 26, 2015 0 0

Luke 2:4-7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Into our story at last wanders Joseph, out of Nazareth into Bethlehem. Out of his present reality to his historic heritage. Into the promises of the past to make possible the future. You can sing today’s prayer reflection on the role of Joseph to the tune “Infant Holy.”

Joseph stands and watches over
Mary and the holy child
Travel weary, stranger wary,
Soon a refugee  exiled
Joseph’s gift is faithful service
Swept along unsure and nervous
Watches o’er the holy child
 
Joseph stands within the temple
puzzles over what he hears
Prophesy and prayers which baffle
promise of the future years
Joseph’s gift is not demanding
Full disclosure, understanding
Watches o’er the lauded child
 
Grows in wisdom and in stature,
Human favour and divine;
father’s trade and Father’s calling
in the wood and rood combine
Joseph’s gift is in providing
Helping strengthening and guiding
Watches o’er the growing child