24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1)
We are told extremely little about Joseph's activity in parenting Jesus, except for Him carrying out his responsibilities in dedicating Jesus and taking Him to the temple for special holy days. But what we do know is that He obeyed God: he did as commanded in naming Him "Jesus". This simple detail shows a lot of faith in the message and in the Son. Joseph believed, accepted, and responded in appropriate fashion, setting for us the example of how we should respond to the coming of Christ. Such a response requires humility, accepting God's plan and setting aside our pride. Letting someone else define plans for his son's life - from birth to childhood to livelihood and death - is no easy calling. But Joseph did it, stepping into the background, trusting in God. May we trust and follow in like manner.
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