Day 8: The Dreamer’s Coat
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.
And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
—From Genesis 37:3–8, 12–13, 19–28, 31–36; 39:1–6 (NKJV)
“If the Author of Scripture can whisper his plan across generations with a simple robe, how much more can we trust his authorship in our own lives?”
Reflection
Joseph was attacked by his own brothers, thrown in a pit, sold as a slave. In Egypt he was falsely accused and imprisoned. For years. Yet toward the end of his life he’s still able to say, without bitterness, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” In the pit, his brothers above discussing ways to kill him, Joseph couldn’t have known what plans God had for him. Have you ever been surprised by unexpected roadblocks, sorrows, or challenges in your life? Perhaps you too can think of a time when you discovered that something “intended for evil” brought about good for you or others. Perhaps you’re going through a valley of sorrow or hurt right now—if so, reflect on Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV).
Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Consider Joseph’s trail of trials, explore the Jesse Tree symbol for today of a colorful coat, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about God’s many surprises.
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
The coat of many colors reminds us of Joseph and God’s Plan.
Inspiration
Joseph's Bloody Coat Brought to Jacob
José Vergara, 1790. Depicted so strongly here are Jacob’s grief and his sons’ callousness.
Music
Let the lesser-known carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, remind us of God’s grace and mercy—that we can thank him in all circumstances. [Play Video]
Consider with wonder that God chose Mary as the Mother of his Son from before her birth as you enjoy What Child Is This. “For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” Lk 1:48b [Play Video]
Visit our Joy of Advent YouTube playlist for featured videos, our Ultimate Christmas playlist for all our favorite carols, or our sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style.
Prayer
O God, Who bestows this upon us by Thy grace,
that we should be made righteous instead of ungodly,
blessed instead of miserable;
be present to Thine own gifts;
that they in whom dwells a justifying faith may not lack a strong perseverance;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
(From Ancient Collects, and Other Prayers, William Bright, 1902)
Resources
Did you know that the 12 Tribes of Israel (Jacob, who was renamed Israel’s 12 sons) each have a traditional color? Perhaps Joseph’s coat reflected those colors.
Enjoy a printable coloring pages of many events in Joseph's life.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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