And it is here that the glad tidings turn us aside with firm hand from all earthly existence--to the Spirit through which Mary had borne Him, Him whom with holy awe we call Jesus.
Now it came to pass one night that Joseph awoke from his sleep: "Arise, Joseph, wake them, and flee!" The voice called to him clearly and distinctly: twice, thrice.
"Flee?
before whom?
The shepherds protect us," Joseph ventured to say.
"The king will have the child.

Make your preparations quickly and flee." Joseph looked at his wife and child.

Their faces were white in the moonlight.

To think that such as they had an enemy on the earth! Flee! But whither?
Where could the king not reach them?
His arm extended throughout the whole of Judaea.

We must not dream of going to Nazareth; he would be sure to seek us there.