I am reminded even more about adoption as we enter into the advent season. We talk so much of Mary during this time of year that sometimes Joseph’s calling goes unnoticed.

I read a book titled Adopted For Life by Russell D Moore. I came across a journal today where I took notes about Jesus’ earthly father.

Joseph

-No DNA of Joseph went to the Son of Man.

-He might not have been his biological father but he was his real father.

-Joseph’s fatherhood is significant for us precisely because of the way the gospel anchors it to the fatherhood of God himself.

-Joseph was called to provide for and protect the Christ of God.

-God spoke to Joseph in a dream to tell him about Jesus. Matthew 1:21-24

-No one else was called to adopt the Christ child, but he was.

-He taught Jesus how to saw through wood. He taught him his trade.

-He taught him how to recite Deuteronomy in Hebrew.

Joseph (or Jofish as my daughter Ella calls him) gets overlooked at Christmas.

Jesus also adopted me. He chose me. He loves me. I am His.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

My cousin Dave wrote this adoption poem for his wife Bethany for Mother’s day. I love the words. It was on the back of their Christmas card with Lola’s birth announcement.

We are adopted because He adopted

She was chosen because we were chosen

We love because He loves

She is ours because we are His

And now forever for her life proclaims an adoption story in Jesus name!