“Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.”
— Matthew 2:13 (NIV)
Mary and Joseph were so happy. They had a brand-new baby named Jesus, and they loved Him very, very much. But far away, a bad king named Herod did not want baby Jesus to grow up. He wanted to hurt Him.
One night, while Joseph was sleeping, God sent an angel to him in a dream. The angel said, “Get up! Take Mary and baby Jesus and go to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you it is safe.”
So Joseph got up right away. In the quiet dark, he gently lifted baby Jesus, helped Mary onto their donkey, and they began a long journey under the stars.
They traveled far, far away to a land called Egypt, in the big continent of Africa. Egypt became a safe place for them. There the bad king could not reach baby Jesus, and the little family could rest.
After a while, when it was finally safe again, God sent the angel one more time. “You can go home now,” the angel said. So Joseph, Mary, and Jesus packed up and traveled all the way back home.
All along the way, God was watching over them. God kept baby Jesus safe — on the road, in Egypt, and on the long way home. And God watches over you, too.
The Big Idea
God watched over baby Jesus and kept Him safe, even far from home. God loves you and watches over you, too — wherever you go.
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.Who warned Joseph that it was time to go?
- 2.Where did the family travel to be safe?
- 3.When do you feel safe? Who helps take care of you?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You for keeping baby Jesus safe on His long journey to Egypt. Thank You for watching over me, too, wherever I go. Help me to feel safe and loved in Your care. Amen.
The same story, told for…