Masculinity is much spoken and written about these days and, in many circles, derided. Are men still allowed to be masculine? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Well, that depends.

Without doubt, we men are built quite differently to women. Physically stronger, to be sure, and mostly driven to protect and provide for our families. So, provided that we keep those instincts under control, masculinity is a very good thing both for society as a whole, and for our wives and families in particular.

Speaking of families – those of you who are men – imagine you’re engaged to the woman of your dreams, and all of a sudden you discover she’s pregnant … to someone else. To make matters worse, she gives you some cockamamy story about “the Holy Spirit did it.” What does that do to your male ego, hmm?

Matthew 1:20-21,24 But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” … When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel told him to do. He married Mary.

Do you know what I think? I think that Joseph’s tough obedience, staying with Mary despite the shame and whispers, is one of the most masculine acts in all of history. He did what the Lord’s angel told him to do

A messy thing, this whole Christmas story, but then … it’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.