Mary and Joseph's travel itinerary was Nazareth to Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth. Did they know the prophecy from Hosea 11:1? It originally referred to an infant Israel and its being called out of Egypt by God. Matthew, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit sees the passage as a reference to Jesus, God's only Son.
Mary and Joseph certainly knew Egypt's significance in the history of God's people. They knew the Genesis and Exodus stories of Joseph's own namesake, Jacob's son, Joseph. They knew about his many-colored garment, his brother's betrayal selling him into slavery. They knew of Joseph's faithfulness in the face of Potiphar's wife's temptations. They knew about his interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. They knew how Jacob and his family arrived in Egypt and how their people prospered and multiplied in Egypt. They knew about the king of Egypt who forgot the blessings the Lord had released through Joseph. They knew.
We don't know how long Mary, Joseph, and their baby were in Egypt. After Herod died, an angel told Joseph in a dream it was safe to return to the land of Israel. Joseph intended to return to Bethlehem, but when he found Herod's son, Archelaus, was ruling there, he decided instead to go to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). Luke reports Jesus "grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him" (Luke 2:40b).
What a journey for Mary, Joseph, and the baby! This is our Savior. His experience is to journey with us-wherever we go or are. His commitment to be with us is steadfast and sure. It is a good word to remember and to pass on to those whose journey is uncertain and difficult.
THE PRAYER: O Lord, bless all those who are on difficult and dangerous journeys. Bless our journey through life. May our Advent journey end with us safely home. Amen.
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