How could it be? Everything was going great. He was soon to be married to a wonderful young lady, then suddenly he received news that things were not as they appeared. No doubt he was heartbroken. As he found himself amid a nightmare, this carpenter named Joseph had a dream. His story is recorded in Matthew 1:18-25. Notice three things from this passage.

Note the commitment Joseph observed to his word. Matthew 1:18-19 reads, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly." Here Joseph models Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" This is the summary of a life that honors God and that God honors.

Note the commencement Joseph obtained for his work. Matthew 1:19-23 reads, "But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" Joseph became the foster father of Jesus the Messiah! No doubt he taught Jesus biblical truth (Luke 2:39-40, 51-52) and his building trade as a carpenter (Mark 6:1-6).

Note the commandment Joseph obeyed by his worship. Matthew 1:24-25 reads, "Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus." Joseph's obedience was an act of worship toward the Most High God. Believers are commanded to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God" because it "is your reasonable service" or "(your) spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1). Hebrews 11:6 reads, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." After Joseph fulfilled his role in Jesus' earthly life, he faded from the scene and went to his eternal reward.

God still communicates with his children. Are you listening? During this Christmas season remember the account of a carpenter's dream.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.