December 23, 2025

Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly.
Matthew 1:19
 
One of the most important tools we have for understanding the New Testament as Christians is a firm grasp of the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures… and the Hebrew in which they were written. The Old Testament talks about great deal about God’s righteousness and the many people who were and weren’t. Only 8 people in the New Testament get this special title, including Jesus and Joseph, his earthly father. But Joseph is given this description connected with very specific actions - we’ll come back to that.
 
The Old Testament makes it clear that righteousness is a pattern of behavior, right living that is a movement closer and closer to love and mercy. Repeatedly, when God and God’s prophets use the word, they are referring not to a strict adherence of the Law, but of a balance of justice and mercy, God’s love in action. When we look at this passage in light of the Old Testament, we see Joseph feels obligated to follow the Law and not go through with marriage to Mary, but does not seek the prescribed or available punishments. He’s described as being righteous BECAUSE he seeks the most quiet and merciful exit that spares Mary public shame. In other words, his righteousness is not proved by his knowledge or adherence to the Law, but his character and pattern of behavior that prioritizes grace for the vulnerable.
 
As an occupational hazard, I officiate and attend a great many memorial services. The word righteous doesn’t often come up, but the words that describe it do - kind, merciful, loving, grace-filled… patterns of behavior and character. Few people deeply mourn the departed for being law-abiding or rule-followers. But the merciful and their righteous living are deeply missed.
 
In the new year, folks will move from a season of wonder, mercy, and gift giving to resolutions. We will enter another election year. Folks will argue about justice and mercy and point to scripture and Law. And the echoes of Christmas will ring softly in the background. It will be critical for us to remember that righteous living seeks the care of the vulnerable and a balance of mercy, as we walk humbly with God.
 
Prayer
 
Lord, humble my heart so that I walk a path in which I seek your justice by loving mercy and serving the most vulnerable before myself. Amen.