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WHITBY With all the wonder of Christmas, one of history's most beautiful love stories is often overlooked: the de- votion shown by Joseph toward Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Gospel accounts don't tell us very much about Joseph, other than that he was a "just man," who did not wish to expose Mary to reproach when she was found to be with child. In keeping with Jewish tra- dition of the time, he planned to divorce her quietly, before the required two witnesses, and avoid a public scandal. But, before he had time to act, his bitter disappoint- ment with Mary was turned to joy. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, Matthew tells us, and said to the troubled man, "Do not be afraid, Joseph, Son of David, to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins." All his life, Joseph had heard about the Messiah, who was to come and redeem Israel. Now, a messenger from God was telling him that Mary, his betrothed, was to be the mother of the Messiah! And, Joseph was to be her husband! Joseph instantly set aside any past doubts and mis- givings, the Gospel tells us, and "did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him." From that moment, the portrait of Joseph in scripture is that of a faithful companion to Mary. It is Joseph who searches for lodgings in Bethlehem when it becomes apparent that Mary's time has come. It is Joseph who is at her side when she brings forth the infant Jesus, under the gaze of the creatures of the stable. And, it is Joseph who names the infant Jesus, as he had been commanded. And, when the scheming Herod threatens the infant's - life, Joseph is the one who is warned to take the mother and Child into Egypt. Matthew tells us that " He arose, and took tge.child and his mother by night, and withdrew into Egypt." Mary and Joseph remained there with Jesus until Herod's death, when the angel again appeared to Joseph. Again, he obeyed without question and took his wife and the child Jesus back to Israel, to resume the life that had been inter- rupted. In Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph settled down with the young Jesus, the carpenter continued in his devotion to his family. When Jesus was twelve and became separated from them while on a visit to Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary searched for Him for three days. How their hearts must have ached as they combed the city. Mary even remonstrated with the young Jesus: "Behold, in sorrow thy father and I have been seeking thee." St. Luke tells us that the boy Jesus returned to Naza- reth with Mary and Joseph and was subject to them. He even followed Joseph's trade as a carpenter before beginning His ministry. Tradition has it that Joseph died before that ministry began. But, the love and devotion of the humble carpenter for his young wife and her Son shine before us as we cele- brate this holy season. FREBE PRESS, "CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT", WEDNESDAY, DCNI3R17, 1980, PAGie 1-S ÀfI Christmas Blessings Let us adore the newborn Chil who has saved us from darkness and despair and brought peace to earth! FROM THE MANAGEMENT & STAFF OF K & M Cleaners 112 Colborne St. W., Whitby 668-2831 p7 I >b' I Il i ".