Living With The Lectionary

In this episode, our team considered the following questions:

 

1. In Matthew’s gospel, the narrative preceding our passage is that of the wise men who traveled to Jerusalem to see and honor the baby born to be “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). This week’s passage tells us that immediately after the wise men left, an angel warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt – an emotional roller coaster of elation followed by genuine fear in the face of a coming threat to the life of Jesus. How have you responded to similar circumstances of joy followed by disappointment and even risk? What resources have you found in your faith?
2. After Herod died, an angel instructed Joseph to take his family back to the “land of Israel” (Matthew 2:20). How have you responded to literal or figurative experiences of dislocation and resettlement? How has your faith helped you in that process?
3. In this story, what lessons do you discern about God, humanity, and yourself?

Rev. Bill Hull, Rev. Kenny Hubbell, and Sara Mickelson discuss the gospel lectionary text for Sunday, December 21, 2025: Matthew 1:18-25 (Year A).