Joseph was warned that Jesus was in danger and fled to Egypt so that they would be safe. It's a good thing that this wasn't today because they had no papers, no passport, no visa. It is getting increasingly difficult to find sanctuary in a world that looks at anyone from another part of the world with suspicion.
It couldn't have been easy for Joseph or Mary. Would they be welcome? Would Joseph be able to support his young family? Would Mary find a safe environment in which to raise this very special son?
So many families today must make choices about where they can live and how they can be safe.
I once worked with a woman who was married to a man who had escaped from the country of his birth in order to save his life. Men of his age were conscripted into the army of the dictator and he knew he would never survive because he wouldn't be able to rape and kill. He could only stay in this country because they were married.
Men, women and children try to escape such conditions every day. Some are lucky enough to gain sanctuary, but too many others are turned away from the borders or killed in the attempt. People have drowned in oceans and seas because they have overfilled boats or rafts trying to get to freedom.
Joseph was able to find a safe place for Mary and Jesus, may those who flee oppression find sanctuary in our world today.
