Joseph’s story … a lighter look at Christmas with a modern twist
Joseph is a character who flies under the radar. Here’s a fun look at how things may have unfolded for him.
TECHNOLOGY has come a long way since the birth of Christ, about 2016 years ago.
I have sometimes wondered about some of the conversations that may have taken place in and around that time, and how it may have gone down on, say, WhatsApp.
It’s things Christians today perhaps kind of take for granted now but they must have been truly astonishing at the time.
Please allow for a little journalistic creativity as I imagine how Joseph may have broken the big news to his best friend Mattathias.
Joseph: “Need to talk, Mary is pregnant.”
Mattathias: “What, holy moley Joe, what happened? I’m in shock. The Council elders at the Gog (synagogue) are going to lose it! High priest Caiaphas is going to love this. You know how he loves to exert his power.”
Joseph: “You don’t know the half. I’m not the father! No way, absolutely not.”
Mattathias: “Hey Joe, that makes senses. Didn’t expect that from Mary. I say we find this guy and bash his head against some rocks.”
Joseph: “Matt, That’s the thing, Mary says there was no other guy. Definitely not.”
Mattathias: “I’m sorry …what!?”
Joseph: “Yes I know that’s why we need to talk.”
Mattathias: “I know this engagement has had its stresses but have you been drinking?”
Joseph: “Mary says she is pregnant by the spirit of Jehovah.”
Mattathias: “Ok, keep calm Joe. We know you don’t touch alcohol so you obviously knocked back a few and it’s spaced you out.”
Joseph: “Ha ha Mattat. No my man, totally sober. Rattled yes, but sober. She said an angel appeared to her and told her she would bear a child who would be the promised Messiah.”
Mattathias: “So … um … um… no words.”
Joseph: “Not like you to be speechless!”
Mattathias: “So you believe Mary?”
Joseph: “Look we both know she is seriously committed to Jehovah.”
Mattathias: “That she is. No one can doubt that. But sometime these super spiritual types can go off the deep end.”
Joseph: “I had thought to quietly break off the engagement.”
Mattathias: “Sanhedrin is going to want to stone her. And you too maybe. She has brought disgrace …to you as well. You’re a good bloke you don’t deserve this.”
Joseph: “There’s more …”
Mattathias: “Sounds like you believe her? This is hard to take in.”
Joseph: “Have you read Isaiah ch 7 vs 14?”
Mattathias: “You know I haven’t.”
Joseph: “Go read it.”
Mattathias: “Just tell me!”
Joseph: “Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel which means God with us.”
Mattathias: “WHOA!”
Joseph: “There’s more…”
Mattathias: “You’re killing me. I need to sit down. Wait I am sitting down. Lying down in fact.”
Joseph: “An angel appeared to me too, in a dream but man it felt real, like I was awake. He said that I should not be afraid but to marry Mary. For that which is conceived is of the Holy Spirit he said.”
Mattathias: “Incredible.”
Joseph: “Just no union until the baby is born!”
Mattathias: “You mean sex? TMI, Joseph son of Jacob, descendant of David, way too much information!”
Joseph: “Funny, that’s what the angel called me, Joseph son of David.”
Mattathias: “What else did the angel say?”
Joseph: “That Mary will bear a son and that I shall call him Jesus which means Saviour.”
Mattathias: “But Jesus .. that’s Greek?”
Joseph: “It is but has same meaning as Hebrew name Joshua which means Saviour…for he will save people from their sins.”
Mattathias: “This is huge my friend.”
Joseph: “I guess we are in for an interesting time!”
Mattathias: “Get some sleep. Let me know if the angel speaks to you again.”
Joseph: “I will. Have a feeling it’ll happen again. Good night.”
A short while later …
Mattathias: “Joe… been thinking and something came to mind. You know my cousin Eliakim…”
Joseph: “I have met him once or twice.”
Mattathias: “He’s living in the east, making big money there, dealing in gold, frankincense and myrrh .”
Joseph: “Your point?”
Mattathias: “He reckons some of the local astronomers are all abuzz as there is something going on in the stars, they say. He says they are predicting some sort of incredible galactic happening within the next few, something that is going to happen in Israel.”
Joseph: “Okay that’s nice but I need sleep.”
A little while later …
Mattathias: “Joe you still awake? Meant to tell you, Augustus our beloved Caesar has issued a decree that all the world should be registered.”
Joseph: “What for really now?”
Mattathias: “Anyway, we need to get to Bethlehem by December. Book accommodation early, the place is going to be packed.”
Joseph: “Go to sleep, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Mattathias: “Joe my boy, you can’t spend your whole life flying by the seat of your pants. Last thing you want is to end up having to sleep in a stable or something. Or hanging out with shepherds.”
Joseph: “Relax, I’ll plan ahead, promise.”
I think you know how the story unfolds from there, according to what is written in the gospels.
Merry Christmas.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
