When heaven Came Down - December 11 Devotion

When Protection Is the Mission

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13–14 (CSB)
“After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Get up! Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to kill him.’
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt.”

Devotional Thought:
This wasn’t in Joseph’s plan.
He had already accepted Mary.
He had already delivered the baby in a barn.
Now he was probably just hoping for some rest.
But then—another dream.
This time, it wasn’t about how Jesus would come… it was about how to keep Him alive.
Herod, the local ruler, was terrified that a “new king” had been born. He was jealous. Angry. Dangerous. And he wanted the baby dead.
So God warned Joseph in the middle of the night:
“Get up. Run.”
Joseph didn’t hesitate.
He didn’t negotiate.
He didn’t wait for sunrise.
He gathered Mary and Jesus, and they fled to Egypt under the cover of darkness.
That’s what a protector does.
He may have been quiet, but Joseph’s actions shouted courage, faith, and fierce devotion.
His obedience wasn’t just about what God said—it was about protecting what God had entrusted to him.
And in many ways, that’s part of our calling too.
God has entrusted each of us with something—or someone—precious:
Maybe it’s your children.
Maybe it’s your marriage.
Maybe it’s your testimony or your influence.
Whatever it is, obedience sometimes looks like protecting what matters most—no matter the cost.

Let’s Talk About It:
Why do you think God chose to speak to Joseph in dreams?
What would have happened if Joseph had waited until morning?
What has God entrusted to you that you need to protect?

Tradition Tie-In: The Hidden Gift
Tonight, hide a small wrapped gift somewhere in your house. Give your kids a clue and let them search for it together. When they find it, explain:
“Joseph protected the most precious gift in the world—Jesus. We’re called to guard what matters most, too.”
Talk about what gifts God has given your family—not just stuff, but love, truth, grace, and each other.

Closing Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for how You used Joseph to protect Jesus.
Help us be faithful with what You’ve entrusted to us.
Give us eyes to see what needs guarding in our hearts, homes, and lives.
And give us the courage to obey, even when the path is hard or uncertain.
Thank You that You protect us, too.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.