Annelle's Corner
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AWARDS
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Benny Greenlee
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Becky Braun
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Country Doc
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Editor's Note
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Gary R. Smith
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GOJI
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Radio Playlist Board
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Recipe
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White House
Report
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Why God Created
Children
- Pg 10
Joseph was the son of Jacob (Matthew 1:16). Mary was espoused (engaged) to Joseph (Matt 1:18) when she was found to be with child. Joseph intended on privately breaking the engagement to save embarrassment on Mary, but while he was thinking on this, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and explained that the child Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel also told Joseph that Mary would bear a son and his name would be called Jesus, for he would save his people from their sins.
After Jesus was born, the angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and the child and flee to Egypt because King Herod would seek to take the young child’s life. When Herod died the angel again appeared to Joseph and instructed him to take Mary and the child to Israel.
Joseph started on the journey, but because he feared Herod's son, Archelaus, who took his father’s place, Joseph turned aside and went to Galilee and dwelt in the city of Nazareth, thus fulfilling the scriptures (Matt 2:23) “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
During Jesus' boyhood, Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was about twelve years old, the Bible again mentions Jesus' earthly father Joseph. (Luke 2:33-52) As Mary
"How is it that you sought me. Don't you know that I must be about my Father’s business?" Jesus was referring to his Heavenly Father. I have not found any more mention of Joseph after that except in Matthew 13:55 when the Nazarenes made mention of Jesus being the carpenter's son. Joseph obviously was called by God to fulfill his duties in Jesus' early years, and he probably died when Jesus was a youth.
In Matthew 12:46-50 the Bible speaks of Jesus' mother and brothers coming to talk to Jesus, but there's no mention of Joseph then or anytime after that. I think God's purpose was for Joseph to protect Mary during Jesus' conception and birth, and to care for her and the child until Jesus was old enough to care for himself.
As the Bible says, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Although we may ponder about certain people in the Bible, our main focus should be on the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, born of a Virgin, therefore bringing us the Christmas Holiday in celebration of His birthday. Let's not get so caught up in our earthly holiday traditions that we forget the real reason for CHRISTmas.
I love you all.
Gina
