The Return

Matthew 2:19-23

Every star was visible
As if the black sky
Had been punctured with thousands of holes
To admit the light of heaven.
The couple sat in the sands of the desert,
Resting for the next day’s journey.
The baby, radiating health like a strong candle
Lay in Joseph’s lap
While Mary leaned against his shoulder.
Playing with tiny toes.

This is not where they wanted to be.
Egypt had meant safety, security, peace.
To leave and return to danger
Was unsettling.
Frightening.

They had wanted to stay in safety.
With each step they wished to turn the other way.

But an angel had visited him.
And had told him the anticipated. The expected.
And he had said yes.
Why must they risk their beloved son?
Why must they risk everything?

In the dark of the night.
Lit only by countless stars and a full moon,
They watched Jesus’ eyes slowly close
As he drifted off to sleep.
In the stillness that all parents understand
And refuse to break,
They heard a whispered voice
And felt a presence.
They knew that it was God.

He is beautiful.
Don’t you think so?

He is truly a gift.

He is the Word
And has been a part of me since the beginning.
Now he is my son; the only son of God.
I am pleased that he is also your son,
And that you love him so well.
Hold him, kiss him, touch him
As only humans can
As every human needs.

Why must we take him back to danger?

He is the son of God
And has a mission. A purpose.
You will risk him,
And he will risk everything.
All must be lost
So that all can be found.
I will stand with you, Mary
As his blood runs;
As the pain devours him.
As his body is broken,
Our hearts will be broken.

Why must it end in death?

Life must end
So that life can begin.
The lamb will be sacrificed
So that the truth will be known.
Death is not the end.
I cannot – will not – allow death
To be the last word.
Not for him.
Not for you.

Broken hearts shall be mended
Broken bodies shall be made whole.
God will never let go.
Those who were once creations of God
Will become children of God.
Heirs with the Son.
The full light of heaven
Will fill the darkness.
We will know the love of God.