Friday prior to Christmas 1

 

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 –The flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth. The Lord suffers in all the afflictions of His people. Because of His love, He feels what we feel, He hurts when we hurt. He suffers when we suffer. When the Lord called Moses, He said that He heard the cries of His enslaved people. No one suffers alone. No one walks alone. No one dies alone. “In all their afflictions He was afflicted.

Joseph proved to be a friend and protector of Jesus. What would have happened to the baby if Joseph had not been a willing worker? Here we see a great truth: God’s concern, compassion and aid comes through the help of others. In today’s world of cruelty to the exploitation of children, God is still concerned about the threatened and oppressed little ones. He looks to his own to be the friends of afflicted children. Aware of the world’s threats Joseph acted immediately as He was open to the Father’s guidance – Vv. 13, 19, 22

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[1]

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[1] Christmas Collect, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

2. Woodcut, by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures copyright © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.

3. Christmas image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things