Joseph contemplates the future
A new day is dawning. Mary is exhausted and has fallen asleep, leaning against this man who has volunteered to care for her and the newborn Messiah. The shepherds have gone back to their flocks. The town is in awe of the things that happened during the night. But in the early hours before dawn, everyone sleeps. Everyone that is, except Joseph. Joseph stares at the newborn infant; he is now father to a child that is not his. A child whose angelic birth announcement still echoes in the hills around Bethlehem. A child who was named by the angel Gabriel, in a dream. It is likely that Joseph is amazed, overwhelmed and fearful about the future. And more amazing confirmations will follow very soon: Anna and Simeon at the Temple will declare who this Child is. Wisemen will seek Him. Herod will try to destroy Him. A battle for good vs. evil has engaged, and Joseph is at the center of it. God bless this dear, loyal man who fulfilled his destiny in such a faithful way. Julius Garibaldi Melchers (August 11, 1860 - November 30, 1932) was an American artist.