Joseph

I’ve told you a few times in a few different ways about “The Nativity Story,” and one of those points was how happy I was so see Joseph so prominently featured. He’s so silent in the Biblical narrative that he is regrettably overlooked a great deal, even by Catholics who know him to be a patron of the Church.

MercatorNet is currently running a review of “The Nativity Story” that focuses on Joseph and what a role model he is, not just for one faith or belief, but for any and all of us.

The story of the birth of Christ is well-known, but this movie does an incredible job of bringing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem to life. Hardwicke brilliantly shows the bond between this unique couple — bond that is clearly spiritual, an attachment that goes beyond friendship or a physical attraction. As a Catholic, the relationship between Mary and Joseph helped me to understand why we view marriage as a sacrament and not merely as an institution. But anyone can see how selfless love between two human beings flourishes.

Newcomer Oscar Isaac portrays Joseph. He is undoubtedly the most powerful character in the movie. Half Guatemalan and half Cuban, 30 year-old Isaac was raised in Miami where he had an evangelical upbringing. Going into the movie, I thought that the centre of attention would be Mary and the Christ Child. I was surprised to find myself captivated by Joseph. A silent figure in Christian tradition, Joseph lived his life in an honourable, righteous and devout manner. He was a leader who was a strong husband and a protector of his foster child Jesus. He was a man who had a key role in the history of his people yet never developed an ego-complex. How many men have that kind of humility and selflessness?

Although the film clearly intends to capitalise on the Christmas market, it is much more than commercial entertainment. To me, it conveyed a very powerful, message about contemporary men and their attitude towards the notion of family.

Joseph’s qualities are qualities that many men lack in today’s society. While many men (and women) say that they are meant to be family people, marriage and birth rates are at an all time low. Arrogance, egotism and greed dominate. As a result, marriage is put on the back-burner.

The Nativity Story highlights the importance of a man’s role as husband and father. The absence of fathers and male mentors is well-known. Children are growing up in homes without fathers and with mothers who must work at multiple jobs to keep food on the table. Lacking adult supervision, they must fend for themselves. This leads to reckless behaviour and a lack of self-worth.

This film shows the universality of Christian values. Joseph’s main priority was to be a provider for his family. Despite the scrutiny and gossip he knew he would face, Joseph still decides to honour Mary and stick by her. Crossing treacherous mountain passes, swiftly flowing rivers and barren deserts, Joseph walks the entire way, doing everything he can to live up to his promise to Mary’s parents: “I will protect your daughter and the child, with all that I am.” From their journey to Bethlehem to the birth of Jesus, the gallantry and nobility displayed by Joseph in the film makes one realise why God must have chosen him.

Joseph gave up the freedom of a single life but found fulfilment in taking on responsibility for a family. This quiet leader was given a very difficult task in life but he accepted the challenge willingly and lovingly. Isn’t that what every husband and father should do?

Take Joseph to heart. He shows us manly strength, leadership and self-sacrifice. Men and boys in our culture are under a lot of pressure and attack. They very much need that reinforcement.