Yes, it is correct to call him the father of Jesus if we understand it correctly — even though Jesus had no biological father. Mary and Luke both set precedent here. (Read my article in THIS ROCK Magazine.)
I don’t like most artistic representations of Joseph. He is often portrayed as a sissy — even somewhat effeminate and soft, or on the other hand, well groomed and European.
Having spent a lot of time wandering the paths of Israel, I can assure you that Joseph could not have looked like the often portrayed sissy! He would be dark skinned and swarthy, sunburned and weathered. Joseph was strong and he didn’t have soft hands, perfect hair — and he didn’t smell like an Aqua Velva man any more than Jesus did.
Remember there were no showers, deodorant, toothbrushes or washing machines — and it can get pretty hot and humid!
This is my favorite picture of St. Joseph. We used it in our Mary, Mother of God DVD. I think it’s very close to what St. Joseph the Worker really looked like. It was painted by my favorite biblical painter — James Tissot — a French convert to the Catholic Church.
For the WHOLE STORY, buy our documentaries Mary, Mother of God and Jesus, Word Became Flesh. They make GREAT Christmas presents. Click here for more info or to purchase.