Kirk Reflections 5th January 2025

James Taylor brings a reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Matthew 2:13-23
“ Get up! Hurry and take the child and his mother to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him.” (Verse 13)

An angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Under the cover of night, they escaped to evade King Herod's deadly decree to kill all boys in Bethlehem under the age of two. This early flight to Egypt fulfilled the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Infuriated by the Magi's deception, Herod ordered the massacre of all young boys i n Bethlehem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children. After Herod's death, an angel instructed Joseph to return to Israel. Cautious of Herod's successor, they settled in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

This early escape from evil marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry, illustrating the relentless opposition of darkness against light. Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced rejection and persecution, yet His light persisted, shining through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice.

This narrative reminds us of the social justice imperative to protect and support refugees and those fleeing persecution. As Christians, we are called to stand against injustice and offer refuge and compassion to the vulnerable.