Joseph’s Role in the Christmas Story (Four Dreams)
When the Messiah was born, the shepherds and the wise men followed a star unlike any they had ever seen. There was something so magnificent about this star that they were willing to stop what they were doing and follow it.
The Messiah was announced to Joseph in a dream. God gave him instructions in that dream and once the baby was born, God gave him three more dreams warning him how to care and protect His Son. It was during this time, God also warned the Wise men in a dream how to protect the Christ-child.
These dreams are part of the Christmas story.
Joseph’s First Dream – THE COMING MESSIAH:
The account of Christ’s coming begins with Mary who “became pregnant by the Holy Spirit” while engaged to Joseph.“ Matthew 1:18
After Joseph learned of this, he considered breaking the engagement quietly, and while he was sleeping, “…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.” Matthew 1:20
Three Wise Men:
In regard to the three Wise men, the Bible states “for God had warned ‘THEM in a dream.” Matthew 2:12 does not specify if all three received the same dream, however, it is plural and highlights for me that God was making it very clear to these three to heed this warning to protect His son from Herod. Herod said he wanted to know his location to worship him but because God warned them in a dream, they did not return as he requested them to. Matthew 2:1-12
“When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” Matthew 2:12
Joseph’s Second Dream – WARNING TO FLEE TO EGYPT:
Joseph’s second dream was when the Lord warned him to flee to Egypt because Herod was going to search for the child. He said it was to worship him, but his motive was to kill Jesus. Matthew 2:13-18
Joseph’s Third Dream – ESCAPE EGYPT:
After Herod’s death, “an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. Get up!” The angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” Matthew 2:19-20
Joseph obeyed.
Joseph’s Fourth Dream – RETURN TO NAZARETH:
When Joseph arrived “he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee.” Matthew 2:21-23
He obeyed.
Joseph was afraid, BUT he waited upon the Lord for instructions. He did not flee out of fear, he fled after receiving the Lord’s instructions given to him in the night.
REFLECTIONS:
Read Matthew chapters 1 and 2. In these four accounts, we see that Joseph was told what to do before Christ was born, why, and afterward, where, and when to go.
Joseph and Mary were being entrusted with the Son of God to hold in their arms; to care for him physically as a baby, a toddler, a teenager. Joseph taught him how to be a carpenter and he was raising him knowing one day the Christ-child would be led to the Cross to be crucified for all mankind, and for him personally.
We don’t have Jesus with us the way Joseph did, but Jesus told us for those who believe, we would have him with us always. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
From the time Joseph and Mary learned she was carrying the Son of God; they knew trials would be ahead. Because Mary conceived out of wedlock, their family would be despised and rejected by many for the remainder of their lives. They would carry this label forever. But God, in His grace and mercy, and because of his “good plan,” cared and protected them.
God comforted them along the way by warning them and giving specific instructions so that they wouldn’t have to be afraid. I imagine Jesus was rejected for the same and as scripture tells us, for so many other reasons during his time on earth. “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. “ Isaiah 53:3
Isaiah 53 states that all Jesus went through, was God’s “good plan.” For Jesus to fulfill God’s plan in his life, others had to be a part of that plan. Joseph and Mary were part of that “good plan,” even though they endured rejection and hardship. Are you able to see God’s “good plan” in your life no matter the trials you are going through? If you have passed through difficult times, are you able to look back and see how God brought good out of it? If not, take time to seek God and ask him to show you, hear his voice, in order to find peace in your life.
Joseph did not doubt during any of these situations. Immediately he believed, trusted, and obeyed God. Do you do the same upon hearing the word of the Lord?
As Joseph’s journey continued, the situations surrounding their lives appeared increasingly dire. Their journey wasn’t easy and it caused much fear. Joseph’s obedience revealed his faith in God. Our feelings don’t have to control our faith in God. Do your feelings control your actions? “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
“But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:10-11
As you reflect on these three points, remember three words now and into the New Year:
“GOD WITH US”
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23
Related posts: Joseph’s Dream and God’s Instructions
Thumbnail photo: Nennieinzweidrei
