Today’s scripture, from the gospel of Matthew, comes after the Biblical stories that explain Joseph’s engagement to Mary, his understandable distress about her premarital pregnancy, the first angelic appearance to calm Joseph’s doubts and explain Jesus’ role as Savior, the birth of Christ, and the visit of the Magi. It is over 2 years since Jesus was born, and today’s story tells of the flight to Egypt of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to protect the Savior from Herod.

Today’s scripture passage is, in a sense, the Biblical “version” of post-partum depression. After the warmth and glow of Christmas – the excitement caused by the arrival of a new baby – now reality sets in.

For most new parents, this is when you discover that your meek and mild infant is a two-year-old terror. This is when you wonder how someone so small can turn your whole house and life completely upside down. You think you will never sleep again or have an adult conversation ever again.

But for Mary and Joseph, the situation is much more dramatic. They discover that their child, this holy infant, so tender and mild, is causing a political uproar and Herod, the leader of the nation, is attempting to murder all baby boys.

Instead of spending time getting to know their son, they suddenly find themselves as refugees, struggling to protect their child in a strange land. It is not a natural or ordinary start to their family life. I dare say that it is not a life any of us can really identify with.