Joseph of Nazareth and The Father of Jesus: The Quiet Strength Behind the Nativity

In the small village of Nazareth there lived Joseph, a humble carpenter whose life would be forever linked to one of the greatest stories ever told—the birth of Jesus Christ. Joseph was an ordinary man by all outward measures, earning his living through skilled labor and guided by the customs and values of his community.

Like many young men of his time, Joseph hoped to find a wife and build a family. His attention was drawn to Mary, a young woman of notable character. In a close-knit village, their paths would naturally have crossed many times—perhaps while attending to daily chores or walking familiar routes. Over time, Joseph became convinced that Mary was the woman with whom he wished to spend his life.

Following tradition, Joseph spoke to his father, Jacob, about his intention to marry. Marriage was never a private affair alone; it was a matter involving families and community. As was customary, elders from the neighborhood were invited to accompany Joseph’s family to Mary’s home to formally express their intention and seek her parents’ consent. Such practices were common not only in ancient Israel but across many cultures worldwide, including those that still observe formal betrothal ceremonies today. 

Like for example the author of this post is a Kikuyu from central Kenya. The betrothal ceremony is still practiced to date (Kûhanda ithîgî)

These visits were not merely symbolic. They confirmed family lineage, clan ties, and mutual understanding, all meant to safeguard harmony in marriage. After these customs were fulfilled, Mary was formally betrothed to Joseph.

Before the wedding, however, events took an extraordinary turn. Mary received a divine message that she had been chosen to bear a child through the power of the Holy Spirit—a child who would be called Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us,” and who would become the Savior of the nations.

The weight of this revelation was immense. Mary faced the daunting task of explaining the impossible to her family and to Joseph. For Joseph, the news was deeply troubling. Betrothal was binding, and discovering that Mary was pregnant before marriage placed him in a painful dilemma. The Gospel of Matthew describes him as a just and compassionate man, unwilling to expose Mary to public shame despite his confusion.

Before matters could escalate, God intervened. Through a dream, Joseph was assured that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that he was to take Mary as his wife and raise the child as his own. Trusting in God, Joseph accepted this calling with quiet courage.

Joseph married Mary and remained faithful to his responsibility. The Scriptures note that he respected the divine nature of Mary’s calling until after Jesus’ birth, honoring her unique role in God’s plan. Mary gave birth to Jesus as a virgin, meaning if you may, that Joseph did not lay his hands on her for the entire nine months Mary was pregnant. Mary remained a virgin, a truth that has shaped Christian belief and devotion across centuries.

When a decree was issued requiring everyone to return to their ancestral towns for a census, Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem his home town as he was of the lineage of David. Due to multitudes of people coming in from different corners the town was overcrowded and the lodgings were not available, they found shelter in a place meant for animals. It was in these humble surroundings that Jesus was born and laid in a manger.

From that moment on, Joseph embraced the role of father. He ensured Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and presented at the Temple in accordance with Jewish law. He protected his family when King Herod sought the child’s life, fleeing with Mary and Jesus to Egypt until it was safe to return. He worked diligently as a carpenter, providing for his household, and guided Jesus through childhood.

After Jesus reached adulthood and began his ministry, Joseph disappears from the biblical narrative. Yet his influence is unmistakable. He modeled obedience, faith, humility, and steadfast love—virtues often expressed through silence and action rather than words.

While Christian tradition has long venerated Mary as the Virgin Mother, Joseph’s role has sometimes remained in the background. Nevertheless, many churches, particularly the Catholic Church, honor him as a model of fatherhood and faithful service. He is commemorated on March 19 as the husband of Mary and on May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker, recognizing the dignity of labor. In many countries, Father’s Day also draws inspiration from Joseph’s example.

Joseph of Nazareth stands as a reminder that strength is often quiet, sacrifice often unseen, and faith often proven through steadfast care for others.