Advent 4A: Joseph’s Story

In this episode Chad Rhodes and Charlotte Elia chat about Matthew 1:18-25, the Gospel lesson for the fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A. This telling of the nativity story centers Joseph, his righteousness, and his dreams. Here we have a couple beset with obstacles and facing grave danger before they even begin their lives together, and we have an image of biblical masculinity characterized by kindness, mercy, and service rather than strength, violence, and authority.