Reading: Matthew 2:13-18

Christmas is a time for family reunions and family road trips. Do you remember a Christmas road trip that did not go as planned? Was it a mess? The road trip for Jesus and His earthly family was a hot mess. First, Mary is six months pregnant and walks 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Then, because Herod is a murderous maniac, Jesus and His family must make their way home through Egypt of all places. Matthew says, “this was to fulfill.” Imagine that, the plan and purpose of Almighty God is accomplished through a messy road trip.