Lessons from Mary and Joseph in Raising a Special Child – Jesus Christ

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 By Dickson Tumuramye

The story of Mary and Joseph raising Jesus Christ offers timeless lessons about unconditional love, compassion, patience, understanding, consideration and parenting. Joseph’s willingness to step up as an adoptive father and the couple’s commitment to raising a special child demonstrate the strength and grace required for such a role.

In Matthew 1:18-25, the Bible recounts the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth. Mary, a virgin, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. When Joseph discovered her pregnancy, he initially planned to divorce her quietly to preserve her dignity and avoid public shame. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, urging him to take Mary as his wife, as the child she carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).

This account offers several lessons:

Respect and Protect Your Partner

Joseph’s decision to handle the situation quietly shows respect and care for Mary’s dignity, even in a challenging moment. Instead of reacting impulsively or seeking public validation, he sought to resolve the matter with compassion. This teaches us to prioritize our partner’s well-being and avoid unnecessary public scrutiny during difficult times in marriage or relationships.

Embrace Adoption and Foster Care

Joseph’s willingness to take on an adoptive role and raise Jesus as his own child is a powerful example of selflessness and love. Many people today marry partners who already have children or pregnancies from previous relationships. Like Joseph, they accept and raise these children as part of the family, often so seamlessly that siblings may never know the backstory. This demonstrates that parenting is about love and commitment, not biology. A child’s value does not depend on their origins, and every child deserves love and care.

Surrogate parenting

Adoption is often stigmatized in many cultures, where having biological children is seen as the hallmark of a “complete” marriage. Couples struggling with infertility may face judgment or bias, even though such challenges are beyond their control. Instead of enduring a life without children, couples can consider adoption as a fulfilling alternative. There are many neglected and homeless children in need of love and a family. Couples can also explore other options, such as surrogacy or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which modern technology makes possible.

Joseph’s example of adopting and raising a special child demonstrates that an adopted child can bring immense blessings and joy to a family. Your act of compassion could significantly impact a child’s life and even bring unexpected blessings to your own.

Treat All Children Equally

Joseph and Mary raised Jesus alongside his siblings (Matthew 13:55-56), but Jesus’ unique mission and anointing did not lead to partiality. This teaches us the importance of treating all children equally, whether biological, adopted, or fostered. Favoritism can create divisions and harm family relationships. A child you adopt or foster today may turn out to be a beacon of hope and joy in the future than your biological ones. Never underestimate the potential of any child, regardless of their origin. Your blessing can come through such a child(ren).

Practice Patience and Understanding

Parenting, especially when raising a special or challenging child, requires patience, calmness, and resilience. You may face moments of frustration, but your steadfastness and love can guide your children toward becoming responsible and caring individuals. At the same time, it’s essential to take a firm and authoritative stance when dealing with unruly behavior. Being a parent means balancing love, discipline, and understanding to raise well-rounded children.

Consider Adoption as a Gift

If you are considering adoption, there are resources available to guide you. Begin by researching online, contacting local authorities, or reaching out to children’s homes in Uganda like Sanyu babies’ home or your community. There are other children who are homeless in our community. Adoption may involve challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the effort.

Conclusion

This Christmas season, consider giving the gift of love and family to a homeless or parentless child. Providing a home to a child in need can transform their life—and yours. The story of Mary and Joseph reminds us that every child is a gift, and raising them with love, patience, and respect can leave a lasting legacy. Whether you are parenting biological, adopted, or foster children, treat them equally and give them the best chance to thrive. Your compassion and commitment can make all the difference in their lives.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The writer is the executive director of Hope Regeneration Africa, a parenting coach, marriage counselor, and founder of the Men of Purpose mentorship program.

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Dickson Tumuramye is also a passionate speaker on:

#Positive parenting

#Marriage and family

#Child counseling

 


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