“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:24, NIV).
Imagine being a step-parent to the Son of God. What a challenge! You’d never be ‘good enough’. If there’s anything that’s going to challenge your manhood, this is it. You are a carpenter, you love creating tables, chairs, ‘things’. His Father created the world. No comparison.
How do you cope when your calling challenges your self-esteem? How do you manage when the essential you, need to be put on the shelf so you can take up a new role? What happens when you are unexpectedly called to be someone else?
All this and much more was Joseph’s plight. Some may say it was a privilege to be given that responsibility. And it was. But with such great responsibility came enormous challenges. But as a man of faith and maturity, he accepted the challenge without reserve.
2025 has been a year of challenges for many. Some of us have had to shelve our plans as the Father had alternative ideas. Some of us have been called to undertake difficult tasks. Some no longer know who they are in the Father’s new scheme. But have no fear. Take heart. The Father who gave you the ‘crazy assignment’ will also give you the emotional and physical strength to complete it.
And, like Joseph, sometimes the task appears ordinary, like caring for a child. But it’s a task that only you were chosen to do.
Remember, not all are called by the Father to a public role. Sometimes, you are simply asked to be a good parent to your child or other children. Do an outstanding job because it’s been ordained for you. Be there and be present.
Joseph was a faithful steward of raising God’s Son. He generously gave of his time and resources to fulfil his commitment to God.
Reflection
· During 2025, how did you react to the voice of God?
· As 2026 approaches, in what ways can we commit to being faithful stewards?
Prayer
Father, sometimes we undervalue the roles You call us to perform. During this season, may we reflect on You and the gift of love that You gave us in the person of Jesus. It’s a big story with even bigger implications. May we re-read the Advent story with a fresh perspective and commit to being a faithful steward of all Your resources and tasks in 2026.
Amen.