Get Up 
 Joseph was not unfamiliar with angels appearing in his dreams. The Angel of the Lord had appeared to him once before concerning the conception of the child. This time it was for the protection of the child. King Herod was going to kill Him. The angel directed Joseph to take Jesus to safety. Imagine what it must have been like for this family. Not only was their baby born in a cave, but now it was necessary for them to leave their own country and flee to another so this same son would not be murdered. What must it have been like on the run? I'm sure Mary and Joseph were scared. The life of their firstborn son had been threatened with physical death. I'm sure they were anxious. It must not have been much fun always looking over your shoulder. They were essentially homeless in this situation and had no family to turn to. They had to trust God. He would take care of them. Trusting God however, doesn't gaurantee an easy time. God never promised us that, nor did He promise it to Mary and Joseph. Joseph knew what he had to do and he took Jesus and Mary to Egypt as instructed. The stayed there until it was told them Herod was dead, and it was safe to return home. The Bible does not record how long their stay in Egypt was or anything about their life there. One thing we can be sure of. God took care of them. He is the one who sent them to Egypt. God, the Father of this child, would not leave them alone while they were there or on their sojourn to Egypt. Remember, that no matter what hardship we go through, God will be there to help us get through it. Just as God protected and cared for Jesus and his family that first Christmas, He will take care of you and your family this Christmas and every Christmas hereafter. © 2000 Michael's Hope. All Rights Reserved. |