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Who is Joseph of Nazareth? Is Joseph the forgotten figure in Advent? Some Hollywood films portray Joseph as one of the extras. Does he have a part to play in the run to Christmas?

St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the silent figure in the Christmas story. The Gospels record no word ever uttered by Joseph. Joseph never speaks; he acts.

Joseph the man had to be confused with the events happening around Him. He had to have felt cheated with his circumstances. Who is his future wife? How did she do what she did? Betrayal must have entered his mind.

Joseph believes the dream of the angel. He welcomes Mary. Joseph travels with Mary, first to Bethlehem and then in the flight from Herod, who is the Christmas villain. Joseph is a traveler. Joseph acts. We may speak of the Passion of Joseph: confusion, bewilderment, betrayal, flight, fear.

But Joseph is necessary for the completed family dimension of the incarnate Word's dwelling in time. For instance, the quality of Jesus' human voice must have taken on aspects from that Jewish resonance that was Joseph's. How often a son sounds in voice like his father!

What might we learn from the silent Joseph? So much, in these closing days of Advent and the dawn of Christmas!

Advent can be hijacked by noise, by round-the-clock Christmas music on the radio. Like us, Joseph had to change his plans, adapt his expectations. Seeking out some quiet time before all the festivities is healthy for a true Christmas.

St. Joseph's feast day is celebrated March 19, the last feast of winter. The prayer on St. Joseph's day is: "Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care."

What an excellent prayer to be offered as we place Joseph in the crèche as the Nativity nears - and then, as we pause for a little quiet time.

Keep company with Joseph in the final hours.

(Father Rosson is pastor of St. Mary's/Our Lady of the Lake parish in Cooperstown.)

Once again, Rev. John Rosson offers a series of reflections for Advent; his theme this year is those who "coach" us through the season.[[In-content Ad]]

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