This morning Ezekiel lamented that we do not have an Elf on our Shelf. I responded that I think the elves are creepy, always watching. “Do you really want someone always watching?”

Darcy: “You are always watching us.”

“Yeah, but the Elf will watch while you sleep!”

D: “Don’t you check on us while we sleep?”

“Uh… but you need parents.”

E: “I would rather have an Elf.”

Ouch! But kids are full of offensive statements. Sometimes when they are mad (door slamming, “I hate you”), but often just sharing their feelings. Ezekiel wants an Elf and the tasks of living – who is going to pay the bills or cook dinner or… – aren’t on his mind. He just wants to have what everyone at school is talking about.

Even Jesus occasionally dropped these statements. When his parents finally find him at the Temple in Jerusalem, “didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49)

Joseph was an adopted dad (or maybe a step dad, I am not sure the right phrase… exceptional situation). But he did all the actions of a father. He provided for Jesus. Protected the family. Taught Jesus his trade. Yet Jesus would still respond, you are not my real dad.

Joseph knew this… and he celebrated Jesus’s calling. But I am sure these moments, the words, hurt. Still, he loved Jesus as his son. And on this Sunday we celebrate Joseph’s faith!

---

I hope you will consider joining our Sunday worship. We are focused on the family of God. “While we wait” on God’s promise, we wait together. Join us at 10:30 in person or streaming live.