Carole’s Christmas Devotional – Joseph

This devotional is about Joseph one of many Bible Characters that Carole has shared over the months and we hope you enjoy it.

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My eyes followed Mary’s dainty steps as she happily skipped along the sandy path. Her brown feet were smooth and fitted snuggly into the soft woven leather that protected them. Mary loved life and her laughter echoed around wherever she went. I loved her!

Mary had long shiny black hair, which tried repeatedly to escape the confines of the sensible covering, which was meant to protect it from the searing heat of the sun. Long dark curling lashes added mystique to the pool like eyes, that I wanted to constantly gaze into them.

I was missing her vibrant presence because she had gone to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. There was another month to go, before Mary would come home. This added to the two she had already been away, before I could give full reign to my excitement, in expectation of Mary’s return. We were betrothed and I was longing for the day that we would marry.

Mary was very special and I was really blessed and grateful, that this beautiful girl wanted to marry me, as much as I did her. The day had arrived for Mary’s return and I could hardly contain myself in my anticipation. Our chaperone was a discreet distance away from us, as we walked along together.

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Mary was somewhat subdued and I was very much afraid of what was in her mind. I watched her out of the corner of my eye and her beauty took my breath away, what a unique prize she was. Mary hesitated only slightly, before speaking in hushed tones. Although her voice was low, it had an unusual authority in its strength.

“Joseph, I have something to tell you that will not come easy for you to understand.” I braced myself, nothing could have prepared me for the words which tumbled from her full lips, but they were very clear.

Mary told me that she was going to have a baby. My first thoughts were of betrayal. I focused on the innocent face which was studying my reaction. How should I respond? Mary was betrothed to me! If I were to make this public, she would be stoned or worse. I loved her! I did not want any harm to come to Mary, my Mary, my young beautiful ….. I shrank from her, I felt physically ill.

I know that Mary saw the rejection on my face, the changing emotions as I battled with this devastating news. Lifting my head, I had to admire the acceptance, almost defiance, that was etched in Mary’s expression. I decided then, I could not allow the shame of her admission to destroy Mary’s life.

I would not make this public, I would go along with our betrothal and then in the near future, I would divorce her. Our betrothal was in the eyes of the law as good as a marriage. I would need two or three trusted witnesses and I could quietly divorce her, yes that was what I would do. I was utterly broken with grief.

My heart was indeed broken with the sadness of this necessity. What would become of Mary, I didn’t know, but I would not make matters worse for her. We would have to leave this area in a few months, to go to Bethlehem, to sign the census for the Romans.

Bethlehem was my birth place and as my betrothed, Mary, would come with me. It would help towards hiding the pregnancy from public view and prying eyes. I could then return as a divorced man, without the need of any detriment to Mary.

The decision was made, I left Mary and settled down for the night, feeling totally wretched. The strain of the news had exhausted me. I lay down with a heavy heart and feeling very troubled I drifted off to sleep.

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The stillness that surrounded me was unique and although my eyes were closed, I became aware of a very powerful presence. The voice which penetrated my thoughts was quietly commanding. “Do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary, the child which she carries has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name Him ‘Jesus,’ for He will save His people from their sins.”

I awoke refreshed from my dream, knowing I now had a new purpose. The heaviness had left my heart, I would do as the voice had said, I would marry Mary!

Carole Crossley (Devotional Readings)