Jesse Tree Day 23: Saint Joseph

…did I mention that we are SO CLOSE to Christmas yet?? It’s St. Joseph’s time to shine in today’s Illustrated Jesse Tree!


Saint Joseph

A Reading from the Gospel of Saint Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25)

Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost.

Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately.

The Anxiety of St. Joseph, by James Tissot, c. 1886-94. Brooklyn Museum, New York, New York, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Anxiety of St. Joseph, by James Tissot, c. 1886-94. Brooklyn Museum, New York, New York, United States.

But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.

The Dream of St. Joseph, by Anton Raphael Mengs, c. 1773-74. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Dream of St. Joseph, by Anton Raphael Mengs, c. 1773-74. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins.

Saint Joseph's Dream, by Vicente López Portaña, c. 1791-92. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.
Saint Joseph’s Dream, by Vicente López Portaña, c. 1791-92. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.

Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying:

Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Dream of Saint Joseph, by Nicolas Bertin, c. 18th century. Private collection.
The Dream of Saint Joseph, by Nicolas Bertin, c. 18th century. Private collection.

And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.

The Marriage of the Virgin, by Raphael, c. 1504. Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan, Italy.
The Marriage of the Virgin, by Raphael, c. 1504. Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan, Italy.

And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Nativity, by Gari Melchers, c. 1891. Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Falmouth, Virginia, United States.
Nativity, by Gari Melchers, c. 1891. Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Falmouth, Virginia, United States.

Karina Tabone

Karina Tabone is a wife, mother of four, author, blogger, and lover of Christian artwork. She's the author of the Illustrated Rosary series, which pairs every prayer of the Rosary with beautiful religious artwork. She likes also milkshakes, sunshine, and mystery novels. Follow her on Twitter at @illustr_prayer.

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