As I prepare my heart to celebrate Advent, I am taking time to meditate on St. Joseph, who became Jesus’ foster father. Joseph had a dream; marry his betrothed Mary, establish his carpenter/mason business, raise a family that would walk in God’s ways. This was a beautiful, righteous plan for his life. His perfect dream was shattered when Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Matthew’s gospel tells us this story: “And Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Joseph’s dream was stitched back together by God’s grace and His glorious salvation plan for all humankind. Humble, quiet Joseph, a holy dreamer, shows us how to obey, and create a home for the Christ Child.

This original oil painting (24″x24″) is part of an Advent exhibit with other Christos Collective artists, at Grace Commons Church in Boulder, Colorado.