And Joseph took to him his wife and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn son,

and he called his name, Jesus.

This is Max Locato.

Joseph was literally willing to tank his reputation, and he did.

He traded it for a pregnant fiancé and an illegitimate son and made the big decision of discipleship.

He placed God's plan ahead of his own.

Rather than make a name for himself, he made a home for Christ, and because he did, a great reward came his way, and he called his name Jesus.

Of all the saints, sinners, prodigals, and preachers who

have spoken the name, Joseph, a blue-collar small-town construction worker said it first.

Joseph cradled the wrinkle-faced prince of heaven, and with an audience of angels and pigs,

he whispered, Jesus, Jesus, you'll be called Jesus.

This is Max Locato.