Happy Christmas week, friends! I hope you have completed your long to-do list and are enjoying some peaceful days before Christmas!

Have you tried to create some special, meaningful ways to incorporate Christ in CHRISTmas this year? If you are still looking for some ideas, you can go back to this post. I love to read the Christmas story in the Bible and every time I read it, I learn something new.

Today, when I was reading, I thought about Joseph. There really isn’t much written about Joseph except for the fact that we know he was Jesus’ earthly father.  But what isn’t written says so much about Joseph.

First of all, Joseph had to be a man of great faith. After all, how would most men respond if their fiancé announced that she was pregnant and that God was the father? I’m not sure that most men would buy that story or stick around for the birth. But Joseph trusted God and trusted Mary. That says a lot about his character. Secondly, Joseph was a good man. He was trustworthy because he set out to pay his taxes with a wife, a baby coming soon and a donkey. Finally, Joseph helped to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Even though Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, he still took the time to find a place for Jesus’ birth and to make it as comfortable as possible for Mary.

God knew that Mary would need someone to lean on during her pregnancy. He knew that Mary would need someone to carry her along when times were tough. He knew that Mary would need someone to find her a place to rest. God knew that Mary needed a Joseph.

In the book, Simply Christmas by Tama Fortner, she writes, “Who is your Joseph? Maybe it’s that “good man” who helps you weather the chaos, storms, and everyday minutiae of life. Or maybe it’s someone else – family or friend. Or maybe you feel as if you’re walking through this Christmas season alone, with no one to lean on. Let me offer this reminder: YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. The One who came to be with His people is with you still. Learn to lean on the Savior. He won’t fail you.”

So who is your Joseph? Remember that you don’t have to do this all alone. You can ask for help and allow others to step in to take the load off your shoulders. Your Joseph can wash the dishes after a big meal. Your Joseph can help pick up the trash after everyone opens gifts. Your Joseph can run to the grocery store when you are out of milk. Allow someone else to take some of your burdens off your shoulders during this Christmas season. Allow someone to be your Joseph!

I pray that your Christmas is full of fun, grace, laughter and joy! May you stop and remember the real reason for the season!

Be blessed,

Vickie