Devotion:
Read Matthew 2:13-15.
Can you imagine what it would have been like for Joseph, the proud father of a newborn son, to learn that the king was searching for the little baby in order to kill him? Joseph’s taking his little family and leaving for Egypt during the night demonstrates the sense of urgency he felt. Matthew does not seem to be aware that Joseph and Mary were actually from Nazareth, to the north in Galilee. In going southwest to Egypt, Joseph was going in the opposite direction from their home. We do not know what life was like for them in Egypt, but we can imagine. It was likely difficult for a foreigner, an alien in a strange land, to find work as a carpenter. Joseph must have longed for the time when he could take his family home to be near their relatives and to resume their lives in familiar surroundings.
This was Joseph’s thing not yet done. Living with his new family as exiles in a strange land, Joseph must have felt a great responsibility to do the thing he had not yet done -- to return to friends and family in his home village. And as soon as it was safe to do so, he did that very thing. Joseph’s return to Nazareth in Galilee paved the way for Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and the rest is history!
Personal Worship Option:
On this day after Christmas, reflect on what you have needed to do, perhaps you have even wanted to do, but for some reason have not yet done. Pray for whatever it takes...wisdom, strength, humility, courage, whatever...and set out to do your thing not done.
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