Joseph is that quiet figure named in the Christmas story as the husband of Mary and the stepfather of Jesus, but what is really known about him?
Father Ron Rolheiser: Joseph and the Christmas Story
Christmas reflection: Gerrit Van Honthorst’s ‘Adoration of the Child’
The Christ Child is the source of light in the painting. The edges of the scene are nearly in darkness reminiscent of John’s Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”