I Think I Know How Joseph Felt

I think I know how Joseph felt,
When first he held our Lord and knelt,
Divinity held in his hands,
And he a sinful, simple man.
As Joseph looked upon that babe,
He felt unworthy and dismayed.
His failures stood out sheer and black,
Reminding him of all he lacked.
What fear at this entrusted Christ!
Yet God said Joseph would suffice.
He knew his every failing short,
Yet made him father of our Lord.
And though I do not hold the Christ,
When I look in my infant’s eyes,
I fear what Joseph understood:
That I will fail in fatherhood.
Yet Joseph had some comfort when,
He knew his son was without sin.
No failure or paternal lack,
Would turn Christ from His Father’s task.
Yet I have no such certainty,
My son and I are both guilty.
So when I fail, will he fail, too?
With both of us betraying You?
How can two failures glorify,
The name of Him who sits on High?
O Lord, anoint my shrinking heart,
And make me faithful to my part.
Fill up in me my weaknesses,
Let failings be Your witnesses,
To show my son your Son of grace,
That he will trust You all his days.