Witness To The Incarnation

On this day, many years ago, a grand event changed the world as it was known. Prior to this event, the whole had always been divided into 2 sectors: The Cause and Effect, The Creator and the Creature, God and Man.

On this night however, the order of things changed forever when the 2 sectors for the first and only time fused into one so fully and perfectly that we can say that Man and God existed together in one person, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

On this night, God took upon himself the nature of man and was brought into the world through and by The Blessed Virgin Mary. With Mary being the Theotokos “God Bearer” and Jesus being the God being born, there is only one human who can actually be properly called a physical witness to the Incarnation of Christ.

That person is Saint Joseph (My Patron Saint). A man who made his living as a Carpenter. A man who comes home one day to hear from the Virgin to whom he is espoused that she was “with child”.

Imagine the confusion that must have set in. “She was a virgin when she came into my home. I have not had sexual relations with her. How come she is with Child?” This confusion could led have led him to act rashly but instead, he controlled himself and decided instead to separate himself for her privately.

Here, we learn a lesson concerning our dealings with our neighbors. Joseph knew there was no way that Mary’s pregnancy would remain a secret forever, however, he knew it was not his duty (neither was it necessary) to be the one who announced her “supposed infidelity” and “possible blasphemy (for who would believe that she conceived of the Holy Ghost)” to the world and hence be the Cause for her shame. We should therefore learn to overcome the desire to shame others, disgrace others and to gossip.

Joseph, before making a final decision, takes time to consider the issue deeply (showing us the importance of proper thought before action). During this consideration, an angel visits him in his sleep and explains to him Mary’s pregnancy and the identity of the Child whom she carried. Joseph obeys and takes Mary in fully.

Imagine the thoughts running through his mind. “I have to care not only for a pregnant virgin. I have to also protect her and the child in her womb who is God.” He practically had to become a Human Angel on earth. Imagine the inadequacy he must have felt.

Here, we learn another lesson, to obey God in all things regardless of how hard or odd they may seem.

Then came the Census and Joseph had to transport the already due Mary from Galilee to Bethlehem and by the time they arrived, all rooms had been taken. He could only secure a stable which of course they would have to share with the original inhabitants (sheep and other farm animals).

Imagine the renewed and enhanced inadequacy that Joseph must have felt. “God gave me a responsibility to care for him and I ended up bringing He and Mary into a stable. I am responsible for the Messiah’s entrance into this world, and I cannot even give him a clean place to enter.”

Then Jesus is born. The angels rejoice, the Shepherds and the Magi visit, worshipping and offering their gifts.

And Joseph must have realized (as we all must) that there is nothing we can do or offer God that is befitting of Him. The Glory and Honor Due Him is beyond that which we as Humans can muster.

May this Season of Christmas awake in us the zeal to love God and our neighbors with Saint Joseph as our Example.

Merry Christmas