But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)
Today we consider and give thanks for Joseph, the man who raised Jesus even though he was not his father.
In todays world it is not uncommon for one or both parents to have higher priorities than to raise their own children. Too many are more concerned about their own happiness than their children's well-being. There are better things to do with their income than to use it to help support their offspring. There are parents who do actually live in the same home with the children; but, make very few attempts to actually raise them. The children are pretty much on their own and sometimes even end up being the caretakers for their parents.
Children are precious gifts from God. According to the Psalmist:
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
(Psalm 127:3-4)
Joseph had every legal reason to leave Mary and her unborn son. But, he did not. He stayed so that she would not be put to shame. He stayed and gave her Son an earthly father.
God grant that parents all around the world would not neglect their responsibilities but do the best that they can to raise the children in the way that they should go.
God's Peace - Pr. J.
No comments:
Post a Comment