Gentle Joseph heard a warning from an angel in the night; valiant Mary, maiden mother, roused from sleep, prepared for flight: thus the Christ-child's family lived out what the prophet had foretold, that he might be called from Egypt as God's people were of old. Targets of a tyrant's army, seeking safety, fleeing strife, leaving house and land and kindred, spurred by dreams of peaceful life; through the desert of unknowing and the night of doubt they went, guided by God's promised presence, by that trust made confident. Give us, God, such faith and courage when we move from place to place, and to those who come among us, make us channels of your grace. Let us see in every stranger refugees from Bethlehem, help us offer each one welcome and receive the Christ in them.