The Forgotten Christmas Cradle

But Jerusalem would not be the place of the birth of Jesus. Jerusalem was forgotten.

Why? Because God chose the least among the thousands of Judah. God could have chosen a land whose origins and past were of earthly riches, and warrior strength, and human kings.

But instead God chose a Bethlehem meaning: The House of Bread. God chose the birthplace of Jesus to be a symbol of His gift of peace, and hope, and food for the hungry.

Why is it so important for Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem? Because God wants to give you the gift of peace of mind and heart. The peace that Jesus gives is not like the peace the world gives.

But it is the peace of God that once you receive it there is no fear of judgment and no more guilt of sin.

II. Why was it so important for Joseph and Mary to travel to Egypt?

“Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt.” Matthew 2:13-18

Egypt was the last place a Jew wanted to go. Even though there were pockets of Jews living in Egypt they were leftover from the great captivity. Egypt was a land of pagan temples and idol gods. Egypt was a reminder of famine and slavery. Joseph and Mary would not have been invited or welcomed by the Egyptians. They only hope was to seek refuge with a sympathetic family with who still remembered their heritage as a people of Israel.

But God had made a promise. God’s promise was not just to the land of Judea and Israel, but God’s promise was also to Assyria and Egypt.

“For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will say, “Blessed be Egypt, my people. Blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession!” Isaiah 19:23-25

Egypt is but one of all the Gentile nations that became blessed. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father..” Philippians 2:10-11

Egypt is a symbol of those who have rejected the Lord God, either through wickedness and sinfulness or just by not yet accepting and receiving Jesus into their life. They were the lost.

God led Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus into an unwelcoming and unfriendly, harsh and hostile land to show that God was working to save all people. Now we can understand John 3:16 “For God so loved the world.”

Not just a remnant of faithful Jews. Not just a chosen tribe or nation. But Jesus came to save the world. To teach us to love our enemies, to do good to those who would despitefully use us.

The bible teaches that at the Last Judgment those who were once destined to be condemned but have recognized Jesus as Lord shall be forgiven. When the holy family fled Bethlehem, Herod's evil became a blessing for Egypt.

Why is it so important for Joseph and Mary to travel to Egypt? Because God wants to save all people.

Have you met and accept and received Jesus?

III. Why was it so important for Joseph and Mary to travel from Egypt back to Nazareth?