Escape to Egypt
What’s happening at this scene?
When the [wise men] 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.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 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.’
Matthew’s Gospel chapter 2 verses 13-15
God had planned this even longer ago:
‘When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.’
Hosea chapter 11 verse 1
What does it mean today?
From the time he was born, Jesus was thrown into the chaos and confusion of the world, threatened by political power, forced to flee with his family and live as a refugee. The Christmas story is not a passport to an easy life but it is a life that God understands: he empathises with the troubles of the world and his compassion is for those who find they must live through them.
How can we respond?
There are many people in the Bristol area who have been forced to flee for their lives from the home country due to violence or injustice. It is often difficult to know how we can help, but the Christmas story reminds us that in Jesus God came in love, compassion and mercy to the whole of humanity – and asks us to do the same for others. There are organisations working in Bristol supporting refugees and asylum seekers whom we can support in practical ways.
Two such charities are Borderlands and Aid Box Community. At this station we are collecting winter coats, backpacks and reusable shopping bags that will be passed on Aid Box Community to donate to those who need them.
Thіs is a topic that’s close to my heaгt… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
Thanks May. Glad you’ve found it helpful. You can find details for the we’re charities we’re supporting (Borderlands and Aid Box) using the links above. And you can contact us here.
Thanks again for visiting the Long Ashton Christmas Trail. Wishing you a blessed, happy and healthy 2021.