While preparing for advent, I watched the movie the Nativity Story, and my heart went out to Joseph more than it ever has before. I’ve always been amazed at Mary, what a willing and obedient heart she demonstrated. But Joseph’s role and commitment was amazing as well. When thinking about the various roles and responsibilities that men have and the pressures they are under to protect and provide for their families, and the uncertain mental burden of being in charge or and taking care of everything concerning their home life, Joseph’s choice to go ahead with his marriage to Mary was tremendously courageous. Without even considering how important honor and respect are for any man, and the public shame Joseph experienced from Mary’s unplanned pregnancy, it no doubt added to the pressure in his mind from his own self-doubts. In spite of all of that pressure, Joseph who was just an ordinary man, was one of the first to make room in his heart for Jesus. His world could have been full of questions and concerns, and pretty hopeless. His soon to be bride was already pregnant. The child she was carrying didn’t belong to him. Sounds pretty hopeless. When he agreed to make Mary his wife, he said to her, not only do I take you, bit I also take this child, this holy babe, and I will protect and provide for you both. Without knowing the future, he agreed to be the earthly father to a heavenly prince. Whenever any man feels insignificant, or insufficient for any the tasks or family responsibilities ahead of him, he can look at Joseph’s example, and say all things are possible, and I can do this with God’s help.
With God all things are possible. Matt 19:26
#8 Dress up for the dinner and eat with candle light. Have a manners moment, and practice good etiquette with your family. Boys learn gentleman skills, and girls learn to act like ladies. Mom and Dad serve each other in love! Teach your children to be a pleasure to be around at upcoming larger gatherings! :) All things are possible!