On this “Christmas Adam,” we reflect on the underappreciated role of Joseph, whose quiet righteousness and obedience provided the earthly foundation for Jesus’ life. We recognize that while our modern culture often pressures us to chase fame and social influence, Joseph’s example calls us to a higher standard of steady, humble faithfulness. We understand that Joseph’s impact on Jesus—and consequently on the history of the world—came not from seeking the spotlight, but from simply doing the hard tasks God placed before him. By following Joseph’s lead, we choose to prioritize our character and our devotion to God over the fleeting rewards of public recognition, trusting that true significance is found in being exactly where God needs us to be.

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Happy “Christmas Adam!” I’ve heard it said before that since the day before Christmas is Christmas Eve, and Adam came before Eve, today must be “Christmas Adam.” We are moving ever so close to Christmas Day. I hope you are excited and that you have big plans for the next few days to be with those you love.

In our 2025 Advent devotional guide here at St. Matthew’s, we are reading the passage that served as our text for worship this past Sunday: Matthew 1:18-25. This is the account of the birth of Jesus as told in Matthew’s Gospel.

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Each Gospel gives us a different perspective on the arrival of Jesus. Mark doesn’t mention the birth at all—he’s in a hurry to get to the ministry of John the Baptist. John’s account is cosmic and beautiful: “In the beginning was the Word…” Luke gives us the classic account with the shepherds that we usually hear on Christmas Eve. But Matthew focuses on Joseph.

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…’ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.”

A Righteous Man’s Mercy

It is important to understand that in that culture, being “engaged” or betrothed was legally binding. In the eyes of the law, Joseph and Mary were essentially married. When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, and knew he was not the father, he had the legal authority to have her put to death for adultery.

But the Bible tells us Joseph was a “good man.” He didn’t want to humiliate her; he planned to dismiss her quietly. Even before the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph chose mercy over “rights.” When the Lord finally spoke to him, Joseph obeyed without hesitation. He took Mary as his wife and named the child Jesus, just as he was told.

The Impact of the “Unfamous”

Joseph’s role in Jesus’ life is often underappreciated. Scripture suggests that by the time Jesus began His public ministry, Joseph had likely passed away, as he is no longer on the scene. We don’t see him playing a pivotal role in the early church.

However, think about how much Joseph shaped the man Jesus became. Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us; He lived a human existence. We know how much our “family of origin” impacts us—most of the struggles we deal with as adults go back to how we were raised! God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus because Joseph was a righteous man. He had a huge impact on Jesus’ childhood, teaching Him his trade and modeling what it meant to be faithful to God.

It isn’t always the famous who chart the course of history; it is the faithful.

Chasing Faithfulness Over Influence

Our culture is obsessed with fame. We are fascinated by how quickly someone can become an “influencer” with thousands of followers. We chase influence and we chase “likes.”

Joseph tells us there is a better way. The better way is not to chase influence, but to chase faithfulness. Joseph was not about the glory or the spotlight; he was about doing the right, faithful thing, even when it was hard and challenging. He did the task God put in front of him.

As we think about Mary, the angels, and the shepherds this year, pay attention to Joseph. He modeled the path that we as Christians are called to walk: the path of quiet, steady faith.