Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A couple of irregular Joes

As I get ready to celebrate my 55th Christmas, I’m drawn to the story about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. Or, more precisely, I’m drawn to the lack of stories about him. Hardly anything is known about this man, a simple carpenter and laborer in first century Nazareth.

There was a movie released a few years ago, “The Nativity Story” which attempted to paint a fuller picture of Joseph, a man betrothed to another man’s young daughter, Mary. While the Biblical accuracy, like nearly every movie Hollywood has made based on Scripture, is questionable, the humanity of Joseph – his shock at learning Mary was pregnant, his revelation of the truth from the angel and his ultimate devotion to Mary and soon-to-be born son – comes shining through. This celluloid Joseph comes across as resilient, making the best of his circumstances and maintaining a strong faith in God.

I also am reminded of another “Joe,” not very well known by his family when he was younger but who had a life-altering experience in middle age. He’s well into his senior years now, ready to celebrate his 87th birthday three days before Christmas. Joe has been tested by circumstances beyond his control: the death of his mother, father, brothers, first wife and a daughter-in-law. Joe’s mid-life decision to trust and worship God was not an easy one. Often, he struggled to see the light of the world. But he persevered and, with help, became a better person, Christian, husband and father.

The cobwebs of vascular dementia now tie his mind, but enough of who Joe is and how far he has come are evident for all. When I visit him, I think of how our roles have essentially reversed: I, along with my brother and sisters, am now the parent and he is the child. But, like that other “Joe” of 2,000 years ago, Dad’s faith in God is resilient. The candle may grow short, but the light shines before everyone. Let us praise our fathers here, and our Father in heaven.