Midnight in a Carpenter’s Shop

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mat_1:20-21)

Like many men do when faced with problems, Joseph made his way to his workshop to tinker on some of his projects. He fumbled around with a couple of wooden beams, a hammer and three large nails — but he couldn’t think of any use for them, so he set them aside for a later day.

He shuffled aimlessly about the carpenter shop, whittling away the time, torn between sorrow and rage. The candle burned low and the corner cot beckoned to him. Joseph curled under the blanket, sighed once or twice, and closed his eyes. It didn’t take much; they were almost swollen shut from crying.

Whether it was the fatigue of a hard day’s work, or the emotional drain of such disturbing news, or perhaps a numbing blend of both, Joseph found it difficult to get any sleep. He would dose off for a moment, only to be startled awake by the night noise that visits all of our homes; the creaking walls, the drip of water, the brush of tree branches, the incessant tingling of wind chimes, or the bark of a neighbor’s stupid dog.

Sometime in the early morning hours, when an eerie stillness settled upon the city, Joseph finally drifted into a deep sleep. It was then that the angel of the Lord visited him in a dream and said:

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mat_1:20-21).

 Joseph woke up from the dream and walked into history. He followed the Angel’s instructions explicitly, and was happy to do so for he truly loved Mary. And he, most privileged of all men, was the one who first spoke the blessed Name of Jesus.

Jesus — His name was revealed in a dream; and knowing Him is a dream come true!


PRAYER
Help us to abide in our calling with Thee, to detect Thy presence in every place. May we realise that every place may be a temple, every duty a service, and that we are part of Thy great host, who do Thy bidding, hearkening to the voice of Thy word. AMEN.