Daily Worship

Some journeys are scary

December 26, 2013 0 0

Matthew 2

The escape to Egypt

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.’

Today we pause to remember those for whom Christmas is not an easy time. In the past they have journeyed through territory that has frightened them and they have experienced times that have left them feeling isolated and exiled. 

For them, Christmas brings all those memories sweeping back.

We pray for those whose present journey is marked by fear and anxiety. 

We pray for those who are exiled and lonely – who have been driven from their homes by war, disaster or calamity.

We pray for those who may feel that there is no way back from the terrible journey they have been forced to travel.

Remind them and us that Jesus’ life began as a refugee, threatened by a tyrant displaced by circumstances beyond his control and living in fear of his life. 

Then you called him out of exile into a place where his life could take on its fullest form. Grant that the hope which is embedded in this journey of escape may be replayed in the lives of those who feel trapped. 

Most especially may the transforming presence of Christ fill their hearts and minds this day and throughout this Christmastide.  Amen

 

by John Chalmers