Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Just a few days ago we celebrated Christmas. The candles were lit, the manger scenes set out, and we sang those hymns we hold dear. In the quiet of that holy night, we heard again the record of Jesus’ birth—not just any tale, but the sacred account of what truly happened when God took on flesh and dwelt among us.¹

Today, the Gospel reading brings us face-to-face with a different reality. This isn’t the quaint peaceful Bethlehem with shepherds and angels. It’s a world scared by jealousy, hatred, sorrow, and fear. The challenges faced by the Holy Family mirror the ones we encounter every day, in our homes, in our work, and even in our hearts. Yet, through it all, we see God’s hand guiding His plan for salvation.

Matthew records the lengths to which God went to protect His Son. Joseph didn’t have time to sit and ponder when the angel appeared in a dream: “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt.²” Fleeing to Egypt meant walking away from home, work, and community. But it also meant escaping Herod’s murderous grasp.

Herod’s jealousy and rage weren’t unique. They were the fruit of the same sin that affects us. Think of the last time anger boiled over in your heart. Did it make things better? Or the time jealousy whispered lies about what you deserved. Did you find peace? The truth is, sin never delivers what it promises. It leaves bitterness, brokenness, and regret.

Even when the road is uncertain, God’s love remains unwavering. The Bible says, “I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord.³”

Jesus entered our world, not just for a visit but to fully experience its pain and sorrow with us. He knows what it’s like to feel the sting of sin. Not His own but ours. And yet, His presence transforms everything.

It’s easy to wonder how any of this could be “according to plan.” God’s timing often seems peculiar. Why send Jesus into a world ruled by a paranoid king? Why choose such a chaotic and dangerous time? But as Paul reminds us, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…⁴“

Everything happened exactly as it needed to. Not by chance, but by God’s design. Jesus’ flight to Egypt mirrored Israel’s journey centuries earlier, fulfilling prophecy and connecting Him to the story of God’s people. Even Herod’s wrath became part of the larger picture of salvation, showing us that no earthly power can thwart God’s plan.

Remember Isaiah’s words: “I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord.⁵” It wasn’t always easy for Israel to see God’s love. Trapped at the Red Sea or wandering in the wilderness, they questioned His plan. Yet God’s love shone through: dividing the sea, providing manna, and guiding them to the Promised Land.

Through it all, God remained with His people. That is the very heart of Christmas: Immanuel—God with us. Jesus’ journey to Egypt reminds us God doesn’t leave us in our struggles. He steps into them with us, walks alongside us, and brings us through.

Think about your own life. Have there been times when you felt trapped by circumstances, guilt or grief? Maybe you thought, “God, this can’t be part of Your plan.” But look back, hasn’t He always provided? Maybe not in the way you expected, but always in the way you needed. The same God who cared for His Son in Egypt cares for you.

Matthew’s Gospel points us ahead to the cross, where God’s plan of salvation comes to fruition. The same Jesus who was protected as a child would one day willingly lay down His life for you. At the cross, He lifted the full weight of sin: every angry word, jealous thought, and selfish act. He took it all so that we could be forgiven and restored.

That forgiveness isn’t just a concept. It is tangible. It’s poured out in Holy Baptism, where God claims us as His own. It’s given to us in Holy Communion, where Jesus Body and Blood nourish and sustain our faith. These gifts remind us God is still with us, still working out His plan for our good.

So what now? How do we respond to such a God? By living as His children. Paul writes, “You are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.⁶” That is your identity: An heir of God’s promises.

This identity should shape how we live. Instead of anger, we choose love. Instead of grudges, we offer forgiveness. Instead of revenge, we pray for our enemies. These aren’t just nice ideas. They’re a reflection of God’s work in our heart. As we do them, and are seen doing them, they point others to Him.

As we step into a new year, remember this: God’s plan is still unfolding. It may not always make sense to us, but it’s always for our good. Trust in His timing. Trust in His love. And trust that He is with you, now and always. His mercies are new every morning.⁷

Amen.

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