This December we’ve been going to school at the feet of Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather.

Most of us have a manger scene. When you think about yours, Jesus takes center stage – and well He should! Right next to him is Mother Mary.

Kids love the shepherds with all their animals. Then you’ve got the wise men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Some of our manger scenes even have an angel hovering above the roof.

But who gets the least attention? Who’s the silent one in the manger scene? The one with the walk-on part?

Joseph! We all know he wasn’t Jesus real father – that was God! Sometime after Jesus turns 12, he dies. We surmise this because Mary shows up at the cross alone.

So in our manger scene, there Joseph stands or kneels…a mere onlooker. But is that fair to this precious man, chosen by God above every other man on earth to care for the Savior of the World?

Why do you think God chose Joseph? What do you think God most liked about him? His looks? His intellect? His carpentry skills? The answer may be quite simple…and that’s what today’s Christmas Sunday message is all about.