One of my favorite movies to watch as Christmas approaches to get my thoughts on the true meaning of the season is the Nativity Story. Personally I think the movie is fantastic and I especially like the way the movie brings insight into each of the Christmas story characters.
Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.
Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)
From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.
Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.
Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.
Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.
Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)
After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.
Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.
If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
~Dave Porterfield
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