This isn't generally considered a Christmas song as it is part of an Easter cantata written by Kenneth Cope. As I sat in general art history survey classes I noticed a continual trend to portray Joseph in religious pieces in a way I felt--and continue to feel--is contrary to who Joseph was.
From the Nativity story told in the New Testament we know that Mary and Joseph were espoused to one another. We know that Joseph was a carpenter and, in the literal translation from the Greek, an architect, creator, or builder. We know that he was most likely disappointed, perhaps hurt, to discover that his bride was pregnant with a child that he knew was not his. We also can surmise that he cared for Mary greatly as he did not want to publicly shame her by making known the circumstances surrounding his initial decision to end their marriage plans. Had he done so, she would have been stoned to death in accordance with the law.
What happens next is something I feel is a testament to the character of the man. He had a dream in which the angel Gabriel, who announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of Christ, came to him and told him that he was to not fear taking Mary as his spouse. (St Matthew 1) This was part of prophecy and Joseph needed to be willing to do what was required of him. The fact that he obeyed and did as he was commanded is impressive to me.
For the most part, especially in art and music, Joseph is brushed aside in the story. He is depicted as an old man, impotent and lacking in virility. The prime of manhood has past for him. I do not believe the our Father in Heaven would have chosen such a man to assist in raising His Only Begotten. Mary was chosen for a specific reason as, I believe, was Joseph. We know that Joseph was commanded to flee to Egypt to keep the family safe; they eventually returned to Nazareth. This is not a short walk nor is it a mean feat to keep one's family safe in foreign lands.
We also know that Jesus grew much as other children did. He did not emerge fully grown from Mary's womb like the myth of Athena springing fully grown from Zeus' head. He was an innocent babe who cried when he was hungry, messy, or tired. He had to learn how to walk. I'm sure there were times when Joseph even carried him on his shoulders as they walked through town. Joseph taught him how to be a carpenter. He was known as Joseph's son long before he publicly proclaimed His Divinity. Jesus grew "line upon line and precept upon precept." I'm quite sure that he talked with Heavenly Father as a son talks to his father, but Joseph was there to help Mary raise the Son of God. He was chosen to do so just as she was. Too often he has been pushed aside as someone who just happened to be in the story.
What a remarkable man he must have been!
More Than Just a Boy
My Mary,
you're having a baby.
A Savior, from Heaven He comes,
An angel told me what to name Him.
He'll be Jesus.
You're having a son.
But he'll be more than just a boy,
more than any man.
So who am I to help this boy?
I'll do all I can
yet, it is He
who will help me.
He is Messiah
He is the Holy One
Come, to free his people
Son of the Highest
Sign of the Father's love
He is the Lamb of God.
My Mary (Dear Joseph)
You're having a baby.
(God's sending His son)
A Savior
(Messiah)
From Heaven He comes
(We've waited so long)
An angel
(An angel)
told me what to name Him.
(Spake words sent from God)
He'll be Jesus.
(Jesus)
You're having a son.
(He's coming to us!)
But he'll be more than just a boy,
(He'll be Lord of All)
more than any man.
So who am I to help this boy?
(God's Almighty Son)
I'll do all I can
yet, it is He
(He)
who will help me.
(Will help me)
He is Messiah
He is the Holy One
Come, to free his people
Son of the Highest
Sign of the Father's love
He is the Lamb of God.
He is Messiah
More than just a boy
Sent from His Father's throne
More than just a boy
Helping His people home
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