ADVENT - DAY 6 - HEARING GOD'S VOICE IN THE MIDST OF EVIL

ANTICIPATING GOD IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON (A Daily Advent Devotional)

Over the next few days till Christmas I would like you to take a journey with me in anticipation.  Let's daily look at the events leading up to the birth of Christ with a sense of anticipation of His arrival into this world and into our lives.  (Inspired by the Book "The Miraculous Journey" by Marty A. Bullis).

Advent Day 6 - Hearing God's Voice In the Midst Of Evil

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.” (Matthew 2:13-15 ESV)

It's difficult to leave one's place in the world, but when our children are in danger - nothing moves us faster.  The flight of Joseph and his family into Egypt has been the theme of countless works of art because it is a central theme for human beings: protection of a family in the face of evil.  Joseph is warned in a dream to get up and take his family to Egypt to avoid the destructions Herod was about to bring to them.  This second dream to Joseph is in a staccato pattern - "rise up, take, flee and remain."  The staccato rhythm of imperatives get our attention.   They require action in the face of trouble.  The Lord is telling Joseph exactly what he needs to hear.  The words to Joseph have their intended impact and Joseph immediately takes his family into Egypt by night and remains there.  We are called to care for our families as Joseph was called to care for his.  Evil is abundant in this present life but not as abundant as the voice of God.  You and I can depend on this voice to guide us through any and all situations that come our way.  It is a voice that is razor sharp when it needs to be and yet can speak with compassion to us and speak to our heart.  As you anticipate Christmas today, think about the fact that you are God's child and there is nothing that will move a parent faster than caring for his children in the face of evil.  God loves you and want to help you just as you love and want to help your own children - just more.