The Flight to Egypt and the Holy Innocents

The flight through Egypt - by Anita Star

Immediately after the joy and splendor of the first Christmas, led by Joseph at the direction of Gods angel, and accompanied by Mary, baby Jesus flees Israel to avoid been killed. Traveling hiding and moving through Egypt. One very Holy refugee.

Back in Bethlehem the first Martyrs were slayed dead in the place of Jesus, a horror created by the evil government of the day.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

‘A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.’”

Oh Rachel, I can not even imagine. May the Lord Jesus have blessed you in heaven.

This painting is a prayer, for all Christians who find themselves homeless or stateless or as refugees. A prayer for those fleeing violence of any kind. A reminder that Jesus and his earthly family went through this trauma as well, did they feel fear, as we do? Or did they trust completely in the Father? A prayer for compassion, generosity, hospitality. A prayer for all those in the position of Rachel - who have had unimaginable horrors committed against them by evil forces. May the Father wipe away your tears, help you be brave and strong, guide and protect you where you go. A prayer for a place for all to call home. A prayer to remember that sometimes following God means travelling through the wilderness, but it can be for your protection and eventual freedom, even though the road may sometimes seem dry and rocky. And a prayer for Rachel and all mums who have lost babies. May you embrace them and be especially blessed in heaven, as I am certain Rachel did.

May the Holy Innocent saints, those slain babies created that day, continue to pray to the Father for those who suffer in these ways here on earth. Amen