My sisters and brothers, good morning, and on behalf of Father Jerabek, the cathedral staff, and the entire Diocese of Birmingham, I wish everyone and their families, including those following on livestream services, a very Merry Christmas!

This year, I invite you to hear the Christmas story through the eyes of someone you may not always think of at the center of the nativity—the man who was entrusted with the care of Mary and Jesus. He wasn’t the star of the show, but he was the one who stood at the crossroads of faith, responsibility, and mystery. He’s often overlooked in the rush of the Christmas celebrations, but today I want to give voice to Joseph, who, in Scripture, speaks no words but whose actions and witness speak volumes to us.

Imagine with me for a moment. Joseph finds himself in the midst of a mystery that will change everything. He is the quiet, unassuming, steadfast figure - a just man - in the background, but he is also the one who had to make crucial decisions, face extraordinary fears, and live out an immense responsibility. As we reflect on Christmas today, let’s consider for a few moments what Joseph might say to us? What would he want the world to hear from him?

The responsibility of faithful love

In the Gospel of Matthew (1:18-25), we see Joseph confronted with a situation that is beyond his understanding. Mary, his betrothed, is, quite unexpectedly, pregnant. His first thought, like anyone's, might have been one of hurt, disappointment, and confusion. How could this be? What was he to do? And yet, Joseph chooses not to shame her, but to take responsibility and protect her. The angel’s message to him changes everything: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20)

Joseph, of course, could have walked away. He could have distanced himself from Mary to avoid the unpleasantness of scandal, but he chose a path of faithfulness. He took responsibility for her, and, by doing so, he took responsibility for the child she was carrying—Jesus, the Son of God. It was a profound act of trust. He had no guarantees. He couldn’t see what the future had in store. All he had was God’s word through the angel, and his own deep faith.

Joseph's decision to care for Mary and the infant Jesus teaches us something essential about family and love. He shows us that true love takes responsibility, especially in moments of difficulty and uncertainty. True love is not just about feeling affection or being there when things are easy. True love is about choosing to act, to serve, to protect, and to sacrifice, even when the future is blurry and nebulous and the path ahead is challenging.

Today, in our own families, Joseph’s example calls us to take responsibility for one another—whether it’s in small daily gestures of care or in the larger, more significant sacrifices we make for the good of those we love.

The care and protection of family

In the Gospel of Luke (2:1-20), we see Joseph’s dedication to his new family continue in a remarkable way. He travels with Mary to Bethlehem to fulfil civic responsibilities for the census - a journey that was difficult and dangerous. He ensured that she had a safe place to stay, even though there was no room in the inn. He did everything he could to make sure that Mary and Jesus were cared for in those early hours of their lives together.

This scene in the stable, amidst the animals, the cold, and the stark, almost unbearable, surroundings, was not the birth Joseph had imagined for the Messiah, yet he accepted it. He cared for the safety and well-being of Mary and Jesus, showing tenderness and commitment in the midst of hardship.

Joseph’s role as protector doesn’t stop at the birth of Jesus. Later, as we know, he would be warned in a dream to flee with Mary and the child to Egypt – like migrants on the move - to escape the wrath of King Herod. Joseph immediately obeys the angel’s command, demonstrating not only his care but his deep, abiding faith and trust in God’s direction.

For families today, especially those struggling, Joseph offers a powerful message. Care for one another with tenderness and faith. Life is fragile, families are fragile, but God calls us to love each other with the care Joseph demonstrated.

To families celebrating today, remember that the true gift of Christmas is not just the presents, the food, or the festivities, but the responsibility of love we share with one another. We are called to be present for one another - to offer care, show compassion, and seek protection for each other.

To families who are hurting, to those who feel like they are walking in the shadows of life or in darkness or facing uncertainty, Joseph’s journey reminds us that even in the most painful and difficult of circumstances, God is with us. Joseph didn’t have it easy, but he knew God was walking with him every step of the way.

The astonishing gift of Christ

Joseph also knew that this child was no ordinary child. He was the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Imagine the awe and wonder that Joseph must have felt as he held that tiny infant in his arms for the first time, knowing that the child he was cradling was God with us. This was the fulfillment of centuries of promises. This was not just an infant; it was God’s plan for salvation unfolding in the most unexpected way.

Christmas is more than an historical event; it is the living presence of Christ among us today. For Joseph, the birth of Jesus meant that his whole world—his whole understanding of family, life, and purpose—was forever transformed. The Savior had entered the world, and Joseph was part of God’s story in a way he could never have imagined.

Joseph’s life teaches us that God enters our world in the most unexpected way, often in ways we might not fully comprehend at first. Yet, like Joseph, we are invited to welcome Christ into our hearts and homes, to make room for Him with hearts wide open and with minds that wonder all that God can do when we cooperate with full faith and trust.

This Christmas, Joseph might remind us to pause and reflect on the astonishing reality of Christ’s birth – just as many children do when they approach the Nativity set. The wonder of Christmas is that God came to us as an infant, vulnerable and dependent, to save us. For families today, this is the ultimate reminder of God’s presence in our lives. Even in our difficulties, our joy, and our sorrow, Christ is born into our world today, just as He was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.

Conclusion: A message for families and the world

If Joseph were here today, I think his message would be simple, but profound:

1. Take responsibility for your family, especially in times of hardship. Love is not just about good times, but about walking through struggles together. Protect and care for one another.
2. Recognize the fragility of life and offer grace and tenderness to one another, just as Joseph did for Mary and Jesus. Our lives are fragile, and the family is both a great gift, a unique strength, and a great responsibility.
3. Welcome Christ into your heart and mind, just as Joseph welcomed Him into his life. Even in the ordinary moments, Christ is present, and He brings with Him the hope of salvation.

Joseph’s life was marked by faith, responsibility, care, and awe. As we celebrate Christmas, may we each reflect on how we can embody these qualities in our own families and communities. And for all who are hurting, struggling, or uncertain, may Joseph’s quiet faith remind us that God is with us, now and always.

Merry Christmas and may the peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace, reign in our hearts and homes today and always. Amen.