Joseph

“’But’ is a fence over which few leap.”  German Proverb

I thought of this proverb today when reading the Christmas Story (not the one with the BB gun) in Matthew’s Gospel in the Bible.  Matthew 1 & 2  In the midst of all that is going on in Joseph’s life, an angel appears to Joseph and tells him “do not be afraid” (“fear not” in many translations.  (Though I have not personally counted them, I am told that there are more than 365 instances in the Bible where “fear not” or the like appears.  I know it is in there a lot.)

The angel’s imperative notwithstanding, Joseph of course has every reason to be afraid, not the least of which is having an angel appear to him and tell him what he should and should not do in response to all that craziness that is happening or is predicted to soon be happening around him.  It is, of course, the perfect opportunity for Joseph to walk away, or to stand his ground and “’but’ the angel/God to death,” a tradition that started with Moses and continues today (I’ve heard about people who do that!)  Had it been written yet, Joseph could have sung Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord” here with relish.  Yet Joseph, against all reason, yet for some reason, takes it all in and “did what the angel of the Lord commanded him….”  Matthew 1:24

Which returns me to the start: ’But’ is a fence over which few leap.”  Joseph, of course, leaped.  Yes, Jesus has the lead role in the Christmas Story, Mary’s role is of course significant, but let’s not forget Joseph.