Category: Books

From his beginnings as a humble carpenter to his all-important role as the earthly father of Jesus Christ, Joseph’s place in the nativity story is sometimes overlooked but contains valuable lessons for all of us. Join Adam Hamilton as he examines Christmas through the eyes of Joseph. Absent from much of the biblical narrative, Joseph never spoke a word, but his courageous actions were crucial to the birth of Christ and God’s salvation plan for humanity.

As you read this book, you will understand how Joseph’s story is much like our own. In life, we encounter circumstances that we would never have chosen for ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides.

Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season.The story of Joseph provide us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides.

Additional components for a four-week adult study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Adam Hamilton. Chapter topics include:

A Carpenter Named Joseph

Whose Child Is This?
Raising a Child Not Your Own
The Journey to Bethlehem

The Rest of the Story

In the first session, A Carpenter Named Joseph, Adam Hamilton introduces the topic for his book, Faithful. He talks about Joseph’s trade as a carpenter and the influence Joseph must have had on Jesus. He encourages us to pay close attention to the opportunities we have to help children grow to know God. Running Time: 11:58 Instructions: To stream a purchased video, login with your cokesbury.com user account, click on My Cokesbury.com, and select Downloads/Subscriptions.

In Session 2 titled Whose Child is This?, Adam Hamilton touches on three main points: the ancestry of Jesus through Joseph, Joseph’s righteousness, and God’s call for us to offer mercy, grace, and forgiveness to others. As you watch the video, listen for a key idea you want to remember for each of these three main points. Running Time: 8:55 Instructions: To stream a purchased video, login with your cokesbury.com user account, click on My Cokesbury.com, and select Downloads/Subscriptions.

In Session 4 titled The Journey to Bethlehem, Adam Hamilton talks about what the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem may have been like for Mary and Joseph, and the significance of the journey for Joseph and Mary, for Jesus, and for us. Listen in particular for any ideas that are new to you or that surprise you. Running Time: 10:11 Instructions: To stream a purchased video, login with your cokesbury.com user account, click on My Cokesbury.com, and select Downloads/Subscriptions.