The challenge was the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association annual Christmas song contest. I started writing a song about Mary but as my wife pointed out, I was covering the same idea behind a song called "Mary did you know?" I dropped my lyrics on that song and consentrated on the story of Joseph and learned that he had four dreams concerning the birth of Jesus. This song is a bluegrass retelling of his story
Lyrics
Joseph of Nazareth: Fort Worth Songwriters Association
Christmas song contest- Religious category-First Place
Copyright Samuel Joseph Harris 2005
(intro) Joseph of Nazareth, will you raise this little boy
Joseph listen to me, Mary is the one
Chosen of God to deliver His Son
Are you strong, will you silence the voices of shame
And raise this young savior and give him a name?
CHORUS: Joseph of Nazareth
Will you raise this little boy as your own
Son of Mary, Son of God
He will make you proud when he’s grown
Joseph are you faithful- will you provide
Passage to Bethlehem for your new bride?
She carries the hope of the world to this place
Vessel of innocence -Mother of Grace
CHORUS
Joseph are you fearless- will you obey?
Escape into Egypt and hide Him away
The soldiers of Herod have come to destroy
To slaughter the innocent babies and boys
CHORUS
Joseph of Nazareth will you return
To your home in the hills where the Savior will learn
The trade of his Father -the carpenter who
Builds mountains and forest and nations….and you
CHORUS
(Out) Joseph of Nazareth will you raise this little boy
He is born the Prince of Peace
To bring us comfort and joy
