Two years ago, I had the privilege of participating in a Christmas Youth gathering held in a rural area of China. This intimate gathering brought together twelve young participants, each eager to experience the joy and spirit of Christmas in their own unique way. During this event, I was invited to give a short talk on preparing for Christmas. For my message, I chose to share the story of “Joseph’s Christmas.”
Why Joseph’s Christmas?
In the Bible, Joseph’s role in the birth of Jesus is mentioned briefly. Joseph, the quiet and faithful man entrusted with the care of Mary and her child, is a figure of immense dedication and humility. Yet, his story often receives less attention compared to Mary or the shepherds. It was this sense of quiet faithfulness that I sought to highlight in my talk. Through my reflection on Joseph, I hoped to encourage the youth to look beyond the surface of Scripture and use their imaginations to fill in the gaps. By doing so, they could better understand and learn from the profound commitment Joseph demonstrated.
Despite the limited direct information in the Bible, we can imagine the challenges Joseph faced. As a young man accompanying Mary to Bethlehem, particularly with her so close to giving birth, his journey would have been uneasy – the long and demanding travel, the slow pace dictated by Mary’s condition, and the frustration of finding “no room” in Bethlehem. In the end, they were given only a stable, a humble and meek place to welcome the Savior. Through it all, Joseph’s role as guide, protector, and caretaker becomes undeniably clear. His life was not marked by outstanding moments but by humble acts of quiet faithfulness. He did not complain or seek recognition for his sacrifices. Instead, he focused on ensuring Mary’s safety and well-being, trusting God’s plan even in the face of hardships.
By sharing the story of Joseph, I encouraged the youth to think about how they could apply this principle to their own lives. While they may not be faced with the same circumstances Joseph was, they too are on a journey – a journey of faith. It is a journey that requires imagination, trust, and a willingness to go beyond what is explicitly stated in the Bible. As young people, their natural curiosity and imagination are powerful tools they can use to deepen their relationship with God.
The main purpose of sharing Joseph’s Christmas story was to inspire the youth to find different ways of connecting with their faith. Faith should not be confined to a single approach or understanding. Instead, it should be open to exploration, imagination, and personal reflection.
The participants were eager to share their thoughts and ideas. After my talk, the discussion among the group was lively and enriching. They asked thoughtful questions, offered insights, and related Joseph’s quiet strength to their own lives.
For me, this experience was profoundly meaningful. It wasn’t just an opportunity to speak – it was a chance to witness the beauty of faith in action. The youth’s openness, imagination, and willingness to engage deeply with Scripture reminded me of the vitality of young believers and their capacity to shape their spiritual journeys in meaningful ways.
My time at the Christmas Youth gathering in the rural area of China was truly unforgettable. Sharing the story of Joseph’s faith and dedication to God during the Nativity opened the door to deeper conversations about our own paths of faith. The enthusiasm of the young people and their insights reaffirmed for me the belief that faith is not simply a set of rules or teachings; it is a living, breathing journey that we undertake with imagination, trust, and a passion for Christ.
