No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your quiet Christ-focused heart.

Read: Matthew 2:13—14

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Reflect: God is well ahead of man’s plan. God had already provided money for the trip from the gifts of the magi, and He warned Joseph early enough to flee from Herod’s wrath. Herod wanted to protect his reign, and he went to horrific lengths to do so (by killing boys under the age of two). Trust that when God calls you out of situations, stretches you beyond your perimeter of comfort, or puts you in above your head—He will provide.

Respond: Lord, no life goes unseen by You. Thank You for holding me in the palm of Your hand and walking with me through this road of life. It has many bumps and unexpected twists, but I trust that You go before me and You have all the provisions in place.

Tot Time: Here’s a possible discussion starter with your kids: Herod wanted to protect his power and what was “his.” What special toys or things do you have that you protect or don’t want others to touch? What does God teach us regarding those things?  

In these final days as we approach Christmas, we’ll look to a few pivotal verses that speak to the character of Christ Jesus, the wickedness of mankind, Christ’s righteousness, and the merciful gift of His grace!