Gospel in Art: The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream

The Dream of Saint Joseph by Philippe de Champaigne, 1642 © Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 December 2024
Matthew 1:18-24

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'

All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel' -

which means, God with us.

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.

Reflection on the painting

In today's Gospel, Matthew describes how the angel appeared to St Joseph in a dream. In our painting by Philippe de Champaigne we see Joseph, with his carpenter's tools at his feet, fast asleep. In art, St Joseph is often depicted as an old man, so it is unusual-and perhaps more accurate-to see him portrayed here as a young man, as he likely was at the time of the angel's visitation. The angel spans the width of the painting, visually bridging the distance between Our Lady and St Joseph. The angel connects them. The angel gestures both towards heaven, the source of the light illuminating the scene, and towards the Virgin Mary, confirming that Christ has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. Kneeling before an open Bible, symbolising that Scripture is being fulfilled with the birth of her Son, Mary gazes upwards at the angel, her arms crossed over her chest in a gesture of humility and faith.

A few years ago, I made a video about Saint Joseph (click here to watch). I tried to portray, through art, how he loved, protected, and provided for the Holy Family with unwavering dedication. St Joseph truly exemplifies what it means to be a man of God. Now, as we stand exactly one week away from Christmas, today's Gospel reassures us that, no matter what challenges the world may be facing, God's word is our bond. When we cooperate with His will, we find purpose and thrive in His grace.

Matthew writes, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do," showing St Joseph's complete cooperation with God's plan. He dreamed and then kicked into action. He quietly pursued holiness, doing the ordinary things of life with extraordinary faithfulness. he loved and protected the Holy Family. His example calls us to trust in God's promises and to embrace our own role in God's divine plan.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-1-18-24-2024/