What is “The Joseph Nativity?”
(Posted December 30, 2019)
The Joseph Nativity tells the story of Christ’s birth from the viewpoint of Joseph, who represents the “everyman and everywoman” of faith. While most nativities seem to give Joseph a “back seat,” here he beckons all of us to come forth and see the wondrous fulfillment of prophecy.
Joseph is the symbol of obedience based solely on faith. Mary had the assurance of a personal visit from an angel so that she could say “yes” to God; the Magi had a tangible star to follow to their destination. But Joseph is only given an angelic message in a dream. (Matt. 1:18-25)
Like us modern pilgrims to the stable, Joseph places faith in God without seeing God’s face but still chooses path of compassion and righteousness. We meet Joseph now at the overwhelming moment he realizes his faith has been affirmed.
“Come see,” Joseph invites us with open arms. “Come see the face of the Newborn King.”
The Joseph Nativity is displayed at the First Congregational Church of Danbury during the Christmas season.