Trusted by the Father

 

The Man Joseph

by Sally Meyer With sturdy frame and callused hands, how overlooked, this gentle man.

With hammer and peg and saw and plane, he cut the wood and smoothed the grain.

Trusted by the Father of all to raise His Son, an awesome call.

He never doubted Mary's word, though others claimed it was absurd.

We know he loved the Lord his God, as on to Bethlehem they trod.

With stars so dim his only guide, he walked along by Mary's side.

A crowded town forced them to stay in a tiny stable filled with hay.

He held her close as she winced with pain and squeezed her hand with every strain.

I'm sure he wept a father's tear as the glorious birth grew ever near.

He wiped the drops from off her face, brought straw to soften the birthing place.

And when the infant came at length, he stayed right there to lend her strength.

He welcomed those who traveled far to see the babe beneath the star.

From lowly shepherds to mighty kings all knew they'd witnessed sacred things.

He stood aside, no want for fame, with callused hands and sturdy frame.