Joseph of Nazareth

**Joseph of Nazareth**, also known as **Saint Joseph**, was a carpenter and is also the husband of Mary of Nazareth and the adoptive father of Jesus Christ.

## Overview

Saint Joseph was a man chosen by God to serve as the substitute father of His Son Jesus Christ during his time on Earth. Joseph was married to the Savior's mother, Mary of Nazareth.

## Appearance

Joseph is commonly depicted in art as being an old white male. However according to modern studies, Joseph was most likely dark skinned and a lot younger than what was previously thought, with his death occurring in his 40s.

## Personality

Not much is known about Joseph, however he was well known for being Kind and sensitive to everyone he met. He was similar as a father to his adopted son Jesus Christ, that being a kind and caring father who taught his son everything he knew including his knowledge of carpentry.

## History

Joseph was born a descendant of the great biblical line of kings; including David and Solomon. However during his time Joseph was nothing more but a humble carpenter.

Known as a hard worker Joseph toiled away for the betterment of his family, of which was about to grow as Joseph was betrothed to Mary. Though the two were young Joseph excitedly awaited the day the two would wed as his love for her couldn’t be contained.

However Joseph’s excitement came to a halt as Mary told him she was pregnant. Despite Mary trying to explain that she hadn’t slept with anyone Joseph found it hard to believe her. Joseph was deep in the thralls of dejection, believing that the one closest to him would betray him in such a way.

Joseph wanting to keep Mary’s honor intact kept the organization of their divorce in private. However as Joseph was toiling over the final decision he decided to rest to clear his mind. In his dream the angel Gabriel came to him and reassured him, revealing that Mary was telling the truth and held God’s child within her.

Once Joseph awoke he quickly and fervently apologized to Mary for doubting in her. The two reconciled with a trip to Bethlehem, in which their son: Jesus was born.

The first eyes to gaze upon the face of Jesus was Joseph, who helped Mary in delivering the child.

Over the years the two had several children together. though impoverished, they all formed a loving family.

Though Jesus may not have been blood related to him, but Joseph loved the child as a father would with their children, to the point where even the people who knew of Jesus’ immaculate birth still referred to him as the “father of Jesus”.

Joseph taught Jesus about the world, teaching him the skills and morality he needed to survive in the harshness of the world. One thing Jesus took from his father was that of his talent for Carpentry, becoming a veritable artisan like his father.

However before Jesus could even turn twenty, Joseph laid on his deathbed. He confided in Jesus one last time, reminding him to be true to himself, the kind and loving Jesus.

His death greatly impacted the family. Mary never ceased in grieving his loss, becoming a lifelong widow. And in the wake of his father’s death, Jesus began his journey.

## Quotes

*"O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers." - A prayer to Saint Joseph.*

*"Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins." - Gabriel to Joseph, Matheus 1:20-21.*