Joseph, The Builder's Link to Christmas

12/20/2007


As we approach Christmas day, we reflect on its relevance to the regular pattern of our lives, our relationships, our behavior, our profession. For architects and builders so immersed in the nitty-gritty of cost and construction, appointments and deadlines, the significance of the season may not easily be evident. However, only when we find the connection can we truly claim that Christmas is alive and well for us. Recently, I had an enlightening exchange with Architect Mihlgrace Samonteza, who explained how today’s architect and builder can discover a profound link to Christmas. Below are her thoughts.

Joseph, the carpenter

The key to connecting Christmas with architecture is in the person of St. Joseph. We have come to know him as the carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus himself had inherited this trade; he is described by the people as the ‘son of the carpenter.’ Those in the field of architecture and construction can relate to him through his life of hard work, producing furniture and structures for shelter. Joseph was an ordinary worker who, through manual skill, earned a living for his family and enriched the trade of his hometown. Despite the apparent ordinariness of his daily routine, his very name, which means “God will add”, leads us to realize that there is in fact a third dimension in everything we do: the supernatural meaning of work. Joseph allowed himself to be God’s humble instrument to accomplish the plan of salvation. We, too, frail and inept as we are, can do great things if we, like Joseph, let God add meaning to our lives. We can achieve this by doing our work well, serving others through it, and offering it for the glory of God. A time dedicated for prayer is essential to open ourselves to the promptings of God. Joseph has shown admirable promptness in carrying out God’s instructions. Even if our daily schedule seems to be dictated by meetings and deadlines, we should also make it a point to schedule and keep our appointments with God.

Joseph the family man

"Here is the wise and faithful servant, whom the Lord has put in charge of his household" (cf. Lk 12: 42). Joseph merited this description, as narrated in the Bible. This is a reminder for every professional, that amid the accomplishments and social recognition that he enjoys, he is also the man placed in-charge of his home. In the case of the architect, he is the man, not only gifted to design and build houses but most importantly to create and nurture a home grounded on a firm foundation.

Joseph, an example of a chaste life

Joseph is commonly illustrated in paintings and pictures as an old man, perhaps with the intention of emphasizing his role as a protector of Mary. However, more accurate narratives refer to him as a man only a few years older than Mary. Mary got married at about fourteen or fifteen. They were both very young and presumably very eligible. However, the will of God and their role in accomplishing it was so much clearer than any other concern. They kept their love pure by vowing to dedicate all their energies, attention, and affection to the care of Jesus.

In recent years, there has been a greater demand for many architects and engineers to work abroad. For them, St. Joseph will even more be an inspiring example of fidelity. Separation from families sometimes brings with it an interior distraction for money and distorted affection. A devotion to St. Joseph can alleviate the struggle to overcome these.

Go to Joseph

“Ite ad Joseph.” This was first spoken in the Old Testament and refers as well to St. Joseph, the carpenter, the family man, the servant of God. We have so much to learn from him. Learning from him will point us towards the meaning of Christmas in our lives.