December 15, 2025 - Joseph - A Man of Faith

 A Man of Faith

By Betty Coates

Monday, December 15, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

St Joseph's Dream  by Vincent Lopez Portana

But after he had considered this, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' [which means "God with Us"]

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him, took Mary home as his wife.  But had did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus.  

Now Joseph was chosen as a righteous man and a man of faith.  He was God's chosen one to be the father of Jesus.  He did not want to expose Mary and have her punished.  He trusted God and knew he was doing the right thing after the visit by the angel in his dream.  

We are also called to be righteous and have the faith of Joseph in an amazing God.  During this Advent Season may we be quiet and hear the words of God.

Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past.

You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel.

You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.

You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like.

Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.

You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.

You come to us through men and women who need our help.

You come to us as we worship you with your people.

Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.

You will be with us at the hour of death.

You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.

You will still be God when our history has run its course.

We welcome you, the God who comes.

Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Caryl Micklem, "Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship"

xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/advent-prayers