Narrator/Storyteller (4:33)

Run, Joseph.

Joseph (4:34)

Flee now.

Narrator/Storyteller (4:35)

To Egypt. The voice thundered, its echoes resonating in Joseph's mind. He awoke in a panic, his heart pounding like a war drum. Sweat streamed down his face as he looked around the room. All was silent, save for the soft breathing of his wife and the child cradled in her arms.

Joseph (4:55)

Was it a dream?

Narrator/Storyteller (4:56)

He thought, a tremor of fear snaking through him. A faint red light was coming in through the window. Joseph got up from the bed and went to look. Joseph's eyes widened in horror as he saw the homes of his neighbors ablaze. The faint cries of children and their mothers reached his ears. Something was wrong, and whatever voice he had heard in his sleep was warning him to flee. This was his calling, his destiny to protect Mary and the child at all costs.

Joseph (5:27)

Mary.

Narrator/Storyteller (5:28)

Joseph said with urgency.

Joseph (5:29)

Mary, wake up.

Narrator/Storyteller (5:30)

Mary jolted awake, still cradling Jesus in her arms.

Mary (5:35)

What's wrong?

Narrator/Storyteller (5:35)

Joseph dressed himself and strapped a chisel and hammer securely to his belt.

Joseph (5:39)

Something is wrong, Mary. I don't know what yet, but we need to flee to Egypt now.

Mary (5:44)

I don't understand. Why Egypt?

Narrator/Storyteller (5:46)

What's all of a sudden the ground shook. Mary stood up and looked out the window. Soldiers were banging on the door of their neighbors. They're looking for him, mary said sternly.

Mary (5:56)

Gather the gifts those men gave us, along with a few supplies. I'll make sure Jesus is hidden under my garment.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:02)

The two of them made quick work. Joseph's hands were trembling. His mind was a whirlwind of fear and determination. They climbed out the back window with Jesus and their belongings. Joseph secured the gifts the magi had brought for Jesus to the donkey, then gently picked up his wife and and the infant. Joseph would lay down his life to protect Mary, and Mary wouldn't let anyone touch the child. The city streets were a maze of shadows and danger, smoke billowing like a dark cloud, the screams growing louder and more agonizing. Herod's guards were everywhere, their eyes cold, their swords thirsty for innocent blood. Mary clung to Jesus, shielding him with her body. She was prepared to do whatever it took to protect him. Joseph led them through the streets, his eyes alert, his grip firmly on the chisel on his belt. They turned a corner and the horror unfolded before them. A Roman guard, his face twisted with malice, ripped a child from his mother's arms and tossed him into a sack. The mother's screams was a dagger to their hearts. Her futile attack was met with the cruel bite of the guard's sword. Joseph's instincts took over. He changed course, leading them down a narrow alley, past the well and towards the wilderness. Before they could clear the gates, two soldiers spotted Joseph. You wait there. Joseph had to act quickly. He looked up at Mary with watering eyes.

Joseph (7:31)

Head to the glen beside the river. I'll meet you there.

Narrator/Storyteller (7:35)

He slapped the back of the donkey and Mary fled towards the forest. Joseph ran towards the soldiers at full speed, then immediately turned left down the cobbled path. The soldiers took the bait and followed him. Mary rode with one hand secured to the reins and the other to Jesus. As she ran, she prayed prayers of desperation and deliverance. Joseph's lungs were burning from the chase. The soldiers were gaining on him and he feared he couldn't outrun them. They chased him through a dead ended alleyway. At the end of the alley was a burning home. Joseph stopped, looked back at the soldiers in hot pursuit, then lunged into the burning house. Mary finally reached the woods. Sweat beat down on her brow and her lungs desperately gasped for air. She dismounted the donkey and held Jesus tightly. You're safe, little one, she whispered, stroking his nose. The woods were a momentary sanctuary, but Mary feared remaining for too long. Her mind would not be at ease until she knew Joseph was safe. Mary held Jesus close, listening for the sounds of footsteps. As she strained to listen, she heard screams in the distance. She leaned back on a sycamore tree and closed her eyes. Weighed down with sorrow and fatigue, Mary slid down with Jesus and sat. Her mind raced with thoughts about Joseph. She wondered if he had been captured or worse. Sunrise would come soon and Mary grappled with the reality that she may need to flee to Egypt alone. She may need to raise Jesus alone. The thought of doing it all alone made Mary's burning body quiver with grief. But she had to remain strong. She had to be willing to fight. An hour passed and Mary watched the first light of dawn creep over the hills. Just as the rays crept through the leaves. Mary Heard a stirring in the forest. She stood up and gripped Jesus, prepared to run or fight. Just as she was about to leave, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jolted back in surprise, only to see Joseph's smiling face. Joseph's clothes had been burnt and his face was covered in soot, but he was safe.

Mary (9:59)

Oh, Joseph, thank the Lord you're okay.

Narrator/Storyteller (10:02)

Mary's entire body sobbed in his arms. Joseph did the same, allowing himself to weep on her shoulder. For a moment, both of them had thought it was all over. But the hope of God's plan was not quenched. The three of them embraced in the first morning light. Joseph washed his face by the stream. Mary fed Jesus, and the three embarked on their new journey to Egypt. Herod's cruelty knew no bounds. The streets ran red with blood and the land wept for its lost children. But they were safe, Hidden from the monster's wrath, shielded by their faith and love, they found refuge in Egypt, a land of strangers and mystery. They built a life, a home and a sanctuary for the child destined to change the world. Herod eventually met his bitter end, his reign a dark chapter in the history of Israel. Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew his stature and favor, increasing his destiny, unfolding like a divine tapestry. In the quiet of their home, Mary and Joseph often reflected on those terrifying days. The memories of a shadow that lingered, a scar that never fully healed. One night, as they sat by the fire, Mary looked into Joseph's eyes, her gaze soft, her voice a gentle caress.

Mary (11:28)

Do you ever think about what we went through, Joseph? The fear, the pain, the loss.

Narrator/Storyteller (11:34)

He took her hand, his voice tender, and his eyes filled with understanding.

Joseph (11:39)

Every day, Mary, every day I thank God for guiding us, for giving us the strength to endure. We were chosen for a reason, and we did what we had to do.

Narrator/Storyteller (11:50)

Mary nodded, tears glistening in her eyes.

Mary (11:53)

We did. And I thank God every day for you, Joseph. For your courage, your love, your unwavering faith.

Narrator/Storyteller (12:01)

He kissed her hand, his voice a whisper.

Joseph (12:04)

And I thank God for you, Mary, for your strength, your grace, your boundless love.

Narrator/Storyteller (12:10)

They sat silently, the fire's glow reflecting their love and faith. They had faced the darkness and emerged stronger, their love a beacon of hope, their son a promise of redemption. They knew their tale was just the beginning of a grander story. A story of love, truth and justice. A story foretold in people like David, Moses and Elijah. It was the story of hope and the hero the world had been waiting for since the Garden of Eden. God's story, the story of the Messiah.

Narrator/Podcast Host (12:49)

The very first verse of this passage immediately draws our attention to God's divine protection. An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and warns him to flee to Egypt. God's intervention at that critical moment ensured the safety of the Messiah. Here we see a beautiful image of God's providence guiding and protecting his people. We're reminded that human evil cannot thwart God's plans, and his love for us is so great that he watches over every detail of our lives. We can trust in God's sovereign protection in the face of danger, uncertainty, or fear. Joseph's obedience to the angel's command is both rapid and complete. He takes Mary and Jesus and leaves that very night. There's no delay, no questioning, no hesitation. Joseph's faith and trust in God lead him to immediate action. When Joseph first was betrothed to Mary, he likely had no inkling of the extraordinary path God had laid before him. But his willingness to obey, even when faced with the unimaginable, is a powerful lesson for us. Immediate obedience to God's calling, no matter how unexpected or challenging, is a mark of genuine faith. It means letting go of our plans and embracing God's will, even when we don't fully understand it. Mary had that obedience from the very beginning. When the angel came to her knowing there would be difficulty ahead, she obeyed with joy in her voice. God is always working out his plans. The account of this story in Matthew quotes Hosea, chapter 11, verse 1. Out of Egypt, I called my Son as being fulfilled in Jesus. This might initially seem puzzling, since the original context refers to Israel's exodus from Egypt. But Matthew sees a profound connection between Israel and Jesus. Israel was a nation often called God's child. They were called out of Egypt to be a blessing to the world. Yet Israel often failed in its calling. Jesus is the true Son of God, perfectly fulfilling Israel's role. His journey out of Egypt symbolizes a new exodus, not just from physical slavery, but from the bondage of sin and death. This fulfillment of prophecy highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It connects the story of Jesus with the history of Israel, underscoring the richness and complexity of God's work throughout the ages. The journey of Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem to Egypt and then to Nazareth was anything but smooth. It was a path filled with danger, uncertainty, displacement, and hardship. Yet it was precisely through this chaotic journey that God's redemptive work was accomplished. Their story resonates with many of us who find ourselves in unexpected trials and turbulent times. It reminds us that God's plan often unfolds in ways we cannot predict or control. Yet even in the midst of chaos, God is at work, weaving a tapestry of redemption. God's grander redemptive work often comes through brokenness, trials and disruptions. We can take comfort in knowing that our struggles are not in vain. They're part of God's purpose, shaping us and leading us towards his perfect will. The account of their flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth is a rich tapestry of divine guidance, human obedience, and prophetic fulfillment. It's a story that speaks to our hearts today, offering wisdom, encouragement and hope. Like Joseph, we can trust God's sovereign care, knowing that he he guides and protects us in all circumstances. Like Mary, we can cling to Jesus, knowing everything will work together for good for those that love Him. My final encouragement to you all as we close the Jesus, the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy chapter 31, verse 8 May this promise be your assurance and joy, not just during the Christmas season, but all the days of your life. This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.