Flight of the Child Jesus into Egypt!

Christmas Novena – Day 7

Friday, December 22, 2023

Jesus’ flight into Egypt contains rich theological implications.

The light of the world flees to Egypt under the cover of darkness.

The King is smuggled out of Bethlehem as a fugitive.

But Jesus fled for us and not for himself. How can we understand this truth? 

The Ruler of the World is on his feet all the time. 

As a child, Jesus was a refugee, a condition imposed on him. As an adult, he became an itinerant preacher, a choice he made. 

Interestingly, Jesus goes to Egypt so that, just as God delivered Israel in the Old Testament, the Divine Child might also deliver Egypt. 

Hence, Jesus is not going ‘to’ Egypt but ‘for’ Egypt. 

If Jesus’ mission included Gentiles, by going to Egypt as a baby, Jesus was on a mission from the very beginning. 

Jesus escaped to Egypt in darkness. But darkness did not overwhelm him (Jn 1:5). 

Jesus the light, conquers the agenda of darkness. Come, let us adore Him!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar