“19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:19-23)
After King Herod’s death, an angel of God instructs Joseph to return to the Land of Israel. Joseph takes his family back to the Galilean town of Nazareth rather than to his hometown of Bethlehem. Since Herod’s successor is also dangerous for the family, Joseph wants to keep Jesus far from the capital city of Jerusalem. Joseph heeds the angel’s calling. His spirit is not broken despite the many persecutions and adversities he faces. He endeavors to find the right place where the divine light can shine. Our life journey often entails compromises. Joseph and his family’s decision to not settle in Bethlehem is a concession necessary for their spiritual growth.
Moderation is using humility to make behavioral choices.
