Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 63:7-9: God does not delegate divine intervention to a messenger or an angel.  God’s own presence brings salvation.  The prophet and all who red these words join in celebrating God’s gracious deeds.  God trusts that God’s people will not act falsely.
Hebrews 2:10-18:  Through Jesus’ suffering and death, the trail to eternal salvation has been blazed for us.  We do not fear death, because he has conquered the power of death.  Thus Christ, our merciful and faithful high priest, has the final say over the destiny of our lives.
Matthew 2:13-23:  In a dream, Joseph is warned to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from the jealousy of Herod.

 ‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2025 Augsburg Fortress’

Questions To Ponder:
1— Do you regularly take time to recount the gracious deeds of the Lord? If not, how could you make this a regular practice? (Isaiah 63:7-9) 
2—How have you experienced jeus helping you when you have been tested? (Hebrews 2:10-18)
3—How have hope and joy been mingled with loss or danger for you this past year?  (Matthew 2:13-23)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?

Prayer:  O Lord God, you know that we cannot place our trust in our own powers.  As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity.  Amen.