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Year A Christmas First Sunday — Matthew 2:21

Year A Christmas First Sunday — Matthew 2:21
Year A Christmas First Sunday — Matthew 2:21 (grayscale)

Scripture

Testament: New Testament

Book: Matthew

Chapter: 2

Verse: 21

Lectionary

Year: A

Season: Christmas Season

Week: First Sunday After Christmas

Church bulletins by Ronn Kerr

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Lectionary Meaning

Theological Focus

This Sunday bridges the joy of the birth with the harsh realities of a broken world. It reminds us that the Incarnation occurs within the messiness of human politics and suffering. The celebration of the Savior’s birth is immediately met with the reality of his vulnerability and the world's resistance.

Scriptural Connection

Matthew 2 recounts the flight to Egypt, portraying Jesus as the new Israel who finds safety in a foreign land. It speaks powerfully to the modern experience of displacement and migration, reminding us that God is present even in exile and transition. The Holy Family’s journey mirrors the struggles of many today.

Sermon Ideas

Explore the theme of God on the move. Consider how the Holy Family’s status as refugees informs our pastoral response to the vulnerable. A sermon could focus on the Shadow of the Cross even in the Christmas season, highlighting God’s solidarity with those who flee violence and seek sanctuary in a weary world.