The New Testament does not give us a lot of information about Mary and Joseph. What were they like? What sort of personalities did they have? They became refugees after the birth of Jesus and had to live in exile in another land. Danger was their constant companion and the knowledge of the precious child that was entrusted to them must have added to their burden. But we know more about them than we think. Their characters and personalities were imprinted on Jesus himself. As he grew up, he had to develop as a human being and learn what it meant to be human. Mary and Joseph did more than provide for the physical needs of Jesus. They must have taught him much. Colossians portrays for us the image of a godly person. They are those who cloth themselves in love and are wrapped in compassion, meekness, humility, kindness, and patience. In other words, they wrap themselves in Christ. How much more these qualities must have been evident in Mary and Joseph - and they imparted them to Jesus! A true family exists when parents form positive character and spiritual qualities in their children by both word and example, and where there is an atmosphere of patience and love. Following the sample of the holy family, we can create family in the broader sense anywhere - church, work, school, neighborhoods, and social groups.