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Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

One has to wonder what was racing through Joseph's mind as all these events were taking place. We already know how much love was in Joseph for Mary because of verse 19, he wasn't willing to make a public example of her. And then the dream from the Lord... He willingly accepted the dream from God and didn't in anyway know Mary in the Biblical sense until after the Savior was born. One has to ask ones self if we are able to exhibit the same manner of faith as he did.

I agree. I have a bit of insight that the Lord gave me. It is a poem I wrote for Christmas a while ago. I'm at work now but will try to post it when I get home.

Thanks Dave, I look forward to that.

At one time this was posted on PCIM before one of our crashes.

Joseph's Prayer

There she is.
My wife,
My Mary.
Holding our new born son.

There He is.
My son,
My Jesus.
Lying there so small, so fragile.

Lord, are you sure you,
Know what you're doing.
I'm nothing special
That I should raise your son.

I am no king, to teach him how to lead.
No Prophet, to teach to him your word.
No Priest, to teach him how to worship.
Who am I?

I am a carpenter, that's all I am
I am a simple man.
I am a hard working man,
A common craftsman.

Who am I, that I should raise your son?
Who am I, that I should guide his steps?
Who am I, that You should choose me?
Who am I Lord?

But still,
There she is.
There He is,
And here am I.

Father,
I don't mind telling you.
That I'm not sure of this.
That I'm scared to death.

I'm scared of what you want of me
I'm scared of what I'm called to do.
I'm afraid I'm unequal to the task.
Lord, I'm afraid.

But,
There she is,
And there He is,
And here are you.

Lord, I know
I cannot do this task alone
I do not have the wisdom, strength, or courage.
Lord, I cannot do this without you.

Be with me, Lord, as I seek to do your will.
Guide me, Lord, as I try to raise your son.
Strengthen me, Lord, for the task that lies ahead.
Be with me, Lord.

For I know, dear Lord,
I can do all things,
Through you who strengthens me.
I put my trust in you.

_____ _____

____David E. Cloud____

(8/31/04)

Copyright unpublished work David Cloud 2004

Very nice poem, Cloudwalker!

The Parson wrote: "One has to ask ones self if we are able to exhibit the same manner of faith as he did."

If a mighty angel of the Lord spoke to me, commanding me to "fear not", I truly believe that would sustain my faith for a time. Whatever stress and trouble in mind and heart Joseph was dealing with before the visitation, I believe was swept totally away.

Yes, Cloud , a very insightful poem indeed !
In my heart I compare Joseph to a man I once knew who was so quiet , unassuming and willing to follow God to the nth degree .
I have seen things happen in this mans life that made me tremble and shook me to my very foundations . Yet , he went on in faith knowing that God had a purpose for these things .
He either did not hear or ignored the gossip but went about serving God as was his calling . He was a man of average stature , yet he stood in faith towering in the face of controversy and trials .

This is the walk of a man who knows , personally , the God he serves.

I thank God for the priviledge of knowing this man and still feel the impact of his working faith in my life.

I think Joseph was just such a man .
Respectfully ,
Mystery Guest

Dave,
This is grand!!!