Joseph, A Father's Calling

Setting: A simple carpenter's workshop in Nazareth. Wood, tools, and half-finished furniture pieces are arranged around the small room. A low-lit lantern glows, casting shadows on the walls. It is late in the evening, and Joseph sits on a bench, deep in thought, a carpenter's chisel in his hands.

Characters:

Joseph – Earthly father of Jesus, a humble, devout man in his thirties, grappling with his calling and responsibilities.
Angel – A messenger of God, who appears in various forms and with a gentle, comforting presence.
Young Jesus (voice only) – The young son of Joseph, seen only at the end, full of innocence and warmth.
Scene:

(The room is silent except for the faint sound of tools gently clinking in Joseph’s hands. Joseph appears lost in thought, deeply focused on the chisel and wood, though his mind seems to drift elsewhere.)

Joseph (speaking softly to himself): Lord, I am just a carpenter. Nothing more. I have no palace, no riches. Just these rough hands, these calloused fingers that work with wood and stone. How am I...to be a father...to Your Son?

(He pauses, gazing upward as though expecting an answer. He shakes his head and laughs softly at himself, going back to his work.)

Joseph: They say You have great plans, Lord. But me? I’m only a simple man of Nazareth. How am I supposed to guide the One who will be, the salvation of our people?

(Suddenly, a gentle light fills the room, and a soft, radiant presence, the Angel, appears, though it feels more like a vision than a full, physical presence.)

Angel: Joseph, son of David.

Joseph (startled, standing quickly): Yes. Yes, here I am.

Angel: Fear not. The Lord has seen your heart and chosen you. The child in Mary’s care is of the Holy Spirit, and you are to protect Him, love Him, teach Him as your own.

Joseph (nervously, looking downward): I, I am afraid, messenger. He deserves a father who is wise, who understands what it means to lead a people. I am only a carpenter.

Angel: Precisely that, Joseph. For God’s plan calls for humble obedience, not great earthly wisdom or power. You have been chosen not for what you know, but for how you love and obey.

Joseph (a small, humbled smile): Love, I understand that. But there are days when I look at Him, this little child, and I think, How am I worthy to raise the Son of the Most High?

Angel: Your worth is in your obedience and faith. Remember, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Joseph (softly): Qualifies the called…

Angel: And there will be trials, Joseph. But be strong and courageous. You will protect Him when enemies come, guide Him in the ways of the Lord, and raise Him to see the beauty of the world. He will learn through you to trust in the Father’s plan, even when it is hard to understand.

Joseph (moved, lowering his head): Lord, forgive my doubt. Help me to be strong, to have faith.

Angel: He will walk with you, every day. You are not alone in this calling.

Joseph: Thank you. Thank you.

(The light begins to fade, and Joseph is left standing in the room, a quiet peace settling over him. He looks down at his hands, and then up, smiling softly.)

Joseph: Then I will trust You. I will give all I have for this child.

(From offstage, the small voice of Young Jesus calls.)

Jesus: Abba? Where are you?

Joseph (calling back, smiling): I’m here, my son. I’m here.

(He sets down the chisel and walks offstage to join his son, a sense of renewed purpose in his step. The room is left in silence and stillness as the lantern’s light flickers, then fades to black.)

End of Play