The Second Sunday after Christmas

This homily reflects on where the Son of God dwelt after His birth and why those places matter. Matthew names three locations Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth. Each place fulfills Old Testament prophecy and reveals something about Christ. Jesus was born in Bethlehem the city of David which shows His humility and confirms Him as the promised King. God then sent Him to Egypt so He could identify fully with His people and retrace the history of Israel. Unlike Israel Jesus remained faithful and accomplished redemption. After Herod’s death Joseph brought Jesus to Nazareth where He grew up as the Nazarene the promised Branch from the line of David. Through these places God shows that Jesus fulfills prophecy embodies true Israel and reigns as the humble Savior whose kingdom will never end.