I just read Matthew 2. I got to the part where King Herod issued a decree to kill all the male children in and around Bethlehem. This was prophesied by Jeremiah. Jesus, the Messiah, God's only son, wasn't safe in Bethlehem. So Joseph, Jesus's father, had a dream to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt. This really hit me when I read this passage. Egypt: A place that was not going to be his home. A place that generations before, had been a place of slavery for the Israelites for 400 years. If we look back to Exodus, we see the life of Moses. Moses was also supposed to be killed as a young male child. But God's provision safely floated baby Moses to Pharaoh's daughter. Moses grows up, God issues the ten plagues, parts Red Sea, and leads the Israelites spend 40 more years in the wilderness, and THEN the promise land is gained (AKA Israel).

So at Jesus' birth, you'd think the Savior of the world would stay safely in Israel. NOPE. Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus are basically refugees seeking safety in Egypt. Baby Jesus rest safely in Egypt of all places until King Herod dies. That is the sovereignty and provision of a loving God taking care of His Son, Jesus.

We can rest assured that God will take care of us. We can look forward to Christ's return, knowing that He will bring us safely into His Promised Land of Heaven in due time. Heaven is gained by the death of Jesus slain on the cross. Jesus is the perfect spotless Lamb who was preserved and sacrificed for us. Praise God!

"Mary had a little lamb, whose fleece was white as snow."

-Merry Christmas,

Lydia