December 29, 2013: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

“God, help us to see the blessings of people and circumstances in our life each day, as the continuing Christmas message all year long. And help us to be that blessing to others. Amen.” [Stained glass window of Nativity (St. Mary’s Church, built 1875-1899)]

When Herod had died, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled,
He shall be called a Nazorean. (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23)

Reflection:

It is interesting that in Israel’s history, Egypt had been a land of suffering and slavery. Yet, the angel of the Lord sent Joseph and his family to Egypt for safety.
What a neat reminder that “God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28.

Action:

This reading leads us beyond the anticipation and birth of Christ.
As Christians, it begins anew our faith-filled journey based on the promises of God, to us, in Jesus.
Let us pray: “God, help us to see the blessings of people and circumstances in our life each day, as the continuing Christmas message all year long. And help us to be that blessing to others. Amen.”