Standing up for what is good

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with singer and musician Ruth Jennings.

Good morning. A few weeks ago, my six year old son played the part of Joseph in our church nativity. He isn’t a natural actor, but he managed his four lines pretty well. The kids sang as he and the little girl playing Mary arrived at the front of the church (or Bethlehem if you suspend your disbelief.) The Bible says there was no room in the Inn. That one sentence has given licence to nativities all across the world to cast at least three kids with the part of ‘Innkeeper.’ The child simply has to yell ‘no room’ and most teachers can persuade any unenthusiastic five year old to say that.

But I often wondered why they couldn’t stay with Joseph’s family? Surely if he was from Bethlehem, he still would have had relations living there. Although the Bible doesn’t say it explicitly, I suspect the shame of Mary’s pregnancy outside of marriage would have been too shocking and Joseph would have been rejected. Although my son was somewhat disappointed with his four lines, I think the character of Joseph is often undervalued.

When he was told by an angel that Mary's pregnancy was divine, Joseph immediately obeyed and chose to stay with her and look after her. For this decision he would have faced a huge amount of social disapproval.

Joseph continued to work as a carpenter and provided for Mary and baby Jesus. He took his role as a father and husband seriously, even though it might harm his reputation. He stood up for what is good and true and stuck by his loved ones, even when was difficult.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Joseph and for his example to us all. Thank you for fathers and for foster or stepfathers who step up in the way Joseph did. Help us stand up for marginalised people and look after them even when it would be easier to turn a blind eye.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen