When Christmas rolls around, the spotlight settles on the infant Jesus, the virgin mother, the shepherds, the angles, and the wise men. Have you ever heard a sermon on Joseph, the husband of Mary, who fulfilled the role of human father in the early life of our Lord? In my entire library I have found only one printed sermon on him.

The Roman Catholic Church has canonized Jesus’ earthly father, and he is called St. Joseph. But Protestantism has virtually ignored him. He deserves better. He must have been a remarkable man for God to have chosen him of all the men on earth to play the role of earthly father to his Son. Let us use today as an occasion to celebrate Father’s Day to honor him and our men.

Matthew supplies most of what we know about Joseph. Royal blood coursed through his veins. He was of the lineage of David. He had a dignity and gentleness about him that reflected his family heritage. He was present when Jesus was born; he witnessed the adoration of the shepherds; He took Mary and the baby to Egypt to escape the slaughters of infants. He took Jesus to the temple at least twice. He presented him in his infancy and offered a humble sacrifice. When Jesus was twelve years of age, he took him to Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus called him father and was subject to him. Joseph was a hardworking, God-fearing man who supported his family in a rustic town disdained for its obscurity and provincialism.

Thank God, that Eastern Star has many a father with the Spirit of Joseph, many a Father that loves their children, many a Father who supports their wives. Happy Father’s Day great men of the Star. I love your actions and support.

-Pastor

Happy Mother’s Day

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth no out at night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She strecheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth amoung the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girldes unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31: 10-28 (KJV)

Happy Mother’s Day to the beautiful Saints of God who are our Sisters, Daughters and Mothers.