It happened that a decree went out at this time from the emperor Augustus, enjoining that the whole
world should be registered… and Joseph, being of David’s clan and family, came up from the town of
Nazareth, in Galilee, to David’s city in Judaea, the city called Bethlehem, to give in his name there. With
him was his espoused wife Mary, who was then in her pregnancy; and it was while they were still there
that the time came for her delivery. She brought forth a son, her first-born, whom she wrapped in his
swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2; 1, 4-
7)

The mystery of the Incarnation is veiled in this humble scene. Joseph loves Jesus and suffers seeing him who
he knows is the Word, the King of the universe, lying in a manger. He would give him any- thing and
everything, yet he has nothing to give. The difference between what he would like to do and his poverty places
his soul in great distress.

But then he grows calm. His sorrow recedes. He renews his dedication to God and carries out the divine
command to love him with his whole heart, with his whole soul, and with his whole strength. He gives himself
completely to God who lies in his arms.

St. Josemarίa has written:

There is great simplicity about his birth. Our Lord comes without fanfare. No one knows about him. On
Earth only Mary and Joseph share in the divine adventure. And then the shepherds who received the
message from the angels. And later on, the wise men from the East. They were the only witnesses of this
transcendental event which unites Heaven and Earth, God and man... The greatness of this Child who is
God! His Father is the God who made Heaven and Earth; and there he is, in a manger, “because there
was no room at the inn”—there was no- where else for the Lord of all creation.

Our father and lord St. Joseph...apparently has a very minor role in the Epiphany—as usual. I can
imagine him recollected in prayer, lovingly protecting the Son of God made man who has been
entrusted to his paternal care. With the marvelous refinement of one who does not live for himself, the
holy patriarch spends himself in silent prayer and effective service.....If you want my advice, which I
have never tired of repeating these many years, ite ad Joseph: “Go to Joseph.” He will show us definite
ways, both human and divine, to approach Jesus. And soon you will dare, as he did, “to take up in his
arms, kiss, clothe and look after” this child God who has been born to us. As a homage of their
veneration, the Magi offered gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. But Joseph gave his whole youthful
and loving heart.