Great Escape
Joseph kissed his young wife on the cheek. “Sleep well.”
Finally the new family could get some rest. Joseph checked on Jesus sleeping peacefully nearby. Mary was already asleep, exhausted from the long, hot day. Joseph smiled at his family as he eased himself down quietly.
God has been so good, Joseph thought, lying on his mat. He thought about all the things that had happened: the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the census, Jesus' birth in the stable, the shepherds' visit, Jesus' dedication at the temple and the Magi bringing gifts. So many fond memories in just the two short years since Jesus' arrival.
Joseph drifted to sleep, and soon he was dreaming. In the middle of the night, a dream that seemed more real than any Joseph had ever known interrupted his sleep.
“Get up!” a voice urged. “Take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt.” Joseph sat upright and rubbed his eyes in amazement. He sat face-to-face with an angel!
“Stay in Egypt until I tell you to come back,” the angel said. “Herod is going to search for the child. He wants to kill Him.”
As quickly as he'd come, the angel was gone. Joseph woke up. His whole body shook, and sweat trickled down his face.
“An angel from God,” he whispered into the darkness. “I must take Jesus and Mary to Egypt.”
Gently, Joseph shook Mary's shoulder. “We must leave for Egypt, right now!” he said.
“What is happening, Joseph?” Mary asked in alarm. “What is the matter?”
“An angel just spoke to me,” Joseph explained. “He told me that King Herod will try to kill our son. We must go immediately.”
Mary wrapped her arms around little Jesus and rocked Him soothingly. Joseph loaded their belongings onto the donkey. Then Joseph, Mary and Jesus departed on another journey - this time to Egypt.
Joseph said a prayer of thanksgiving as he led the donkey.
“Thank You, God, for sending an angel to warn me about King Herod's plan. Your Word says that You will command Your angels to take good care of Your children. Thank You for keeping Your promise. Thank You for Jesus, who will save all others. Bless our journey, Lord.”
Traveling to Egypt was long and tiring, but Joseph and Mary did not mind. They were happy bringing the Savior of the world to safety.
A few years later, the angel appeared to Joseph again. This time the angel told him King Herod had died and it was safe to return to Israel. Joseph settled his family in the quiet town of Nazareth. Joseph would never forget the great thing God had done.
One night, as he tucked Jesus safely into bed, Joseph repeated the exciting story of their miraculous escape to Egypt. He told about the angel God had sent to take care of His Son.
“Goodnight, Jesus,” Joseph said, kissing Jesus on the cheek. “Sleep well.”