Big Idea - If we grew up celebrating Christmas at home and at Church, we probably have a very clear image in our mind of what the birth of Jesus, captured in the nativity, is supposed to look like - baby Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph attending to Jesus, with the animals of the stable looking on. The shepherds are there with a few sheep, and the Magi are bringing their gifts, with their camels standing in the background. Overhead is the star, sometimes as an angel shedding light on the entire nighttime scene. Even if we accept that the Magi and the shepherds did not arrive at the same time, this scene seems to capture the story of Jesus's birth. But something is missing from this scene. It only captures part of the story. There are several other important parts of the story that our traditional nativity scene overlooks! A more accurate nativity might be one with Mary and Joseph fleeing the scene with baby Jesus in their arms! This is also an important part of the story but one we easily overlook. What does Jesus' journey to Egypt mean and how does it add to our understanding of who Jesus is and why He came? How does Jesus fulfill the prophet's words, "Out of Egypt I called my son?"

Joseph and Mary's sojourn in Egypt with Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of His life, not everyone wanted to worship Jesus. He had enemies from the very start of His life, which will be a theme throughout the Gospel until His enemies finally succeed in killing Him. Jesus is the newborn King, but in the end, He is a King who gave His life to save us. But, in this account, we see God's hand of protection over Jesus until His hour has come. We also see, once again, the faithful obedience of Joseph who does what he is told without question and without delay. But, the main point of this story is that it is one more example of how Jesus' life fulfills prophecy, both the predictions about Him in the Old Testament and the many "types" or pictures that point to Him and give us a clear vision of His purpose and mission. How is Jesus "my son called out of Egypt?" First, He is the true son and the greater Israel who glorifies God in the world. Indeed, all the earth will be blessed through Him! Secondly, He is the truer and greater Moses who is rescued from those who want to kill Him so that He can lead His people out of exile, not from Egypt but from the bondage of sin and death!