When Heaven Came Down - December 12 Devotion

When God Leads You Home

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:19–21 (CSB)
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, because those who intended to kill the child are dead.’
So he got up, took the child and his mother, and entered the land of Israel.”

Devotional Thought:
Egypt wasn’t Joseph’s home.
It wasn’t where he wanted to be.
It wasn’t the life he pictured.
But it’s where God had told him to go.
Sometimes obedience leads us into unfamiliar territory.
But it never leaves us there forever.
After some time had passed, another dream came—just like before.
The same words: “Get up.”
But this time, it wasn’t a warning to run.
It was an invitation to return.
“Go to the land of Israel… the danger has passed.”
Joseph obeyed—again.
Quietly. Faithfully. Without hesitation.
He didn’t fight God’s plan. He followed it.
And by doing so, he brought Mary and Jesus back to the place where Jesus would grow, live, and one day begin His public ministry.
Sometimes we forget this part of the story.
We remember the manger. We remember the shepherds.
But Joseph’s story is also a story of long-term trust.
He didn’t just obey once.
He obeyed again. And again. And again.
That’s what faith looks like:
Not just one big “yes,” but a lifetime of small ones.
Maybe God has taken you through a season that wasn’t what you expected.
Maybe you’ve been waiting for Him to lead you home.
Take heart: the same God who leads us into hard places will also lead us out.
You can trust Him every step of the way.

Let’s Talk About It:
How do you think Joseph felt when God told him it was safe to go home?
Why is it important to obey God even after the danger has passed?
Is there an area in your life where God might be calling you to trust Him again?

Tradition Tie-In: A Journey Home Ornament
Tonight, hang a small house ornament on your Christmas tree—or draw a simple home and hang it nearby.
Let it be a symbol of God’s faithfulness to lead, protect, and provide—even when the path winds through unexpected places.
Talk about this truth:
God doesn’t just start the journey—He finishes it.

Closing Prayer:
God,
Thank You for leading Joseph every step of the way.
Thank You for being the kind of Father who walks with us through danger, uncertainty, and fear—and brings us safely home.
Help us to trust You not just once, but again and again.
May we follow You wherever You lead.
And may our lives reflect the steady obedience of Joseph.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.