Children's Liturgy Guide

Holy Family

Year A · Christmas

Joseph Keeps His Family Safe

Reading: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

In today's reading, an angel comes to Joseph in a dream and warns him that baby Jesus is in danger. Joseph listens to God and takes Mary and Jesus far away to Egypt to keep them safe. When it is safe to come home, the angel tells Joseph again, and he brings his family back to live in Nazareth.

Key Points

  • Joseph listened carefully to God's messages in his dreams
  • Joseph protected his family by obeying God right away
  • God helped the Holy Family stay safe during a dangerous time
  • Families take care of each other, and God takes care of families

Background

This passage shows Joseph as the protector of the Holy Family, responding immediately to divine warnings delivered through dreams. King Herod sought to kill the infant Jesus, so the angel directed Joseph to flee to Egypt, echoing Israel's own history of refuge in and exodus from Egypt. Theologically, this fulfills Hosea 11:1, 'Out of Egypt I called my son,' connecting Jesus to Israel's salvation history. Joseph's obedience is swift and unquestioning, modeling trust in God's providence even when the path forward is uncertain and frightening. For children, emphasize that Joseph loved his family and listened to God to keep them safe. Set aside the political violence of Herod's massacre and the complex prophetic fulfillments. Focus on Joseph's protective love and his trust in God's guidance.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear God, thank you for our families who love us and take care of us. Help us to listen to you and to take care of the people we love, just like Joseph took care of Jesus and Mary. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has anyone in your family ever helped keep you safe, like holding your hand when you crossed the street or making sure you were okay during a storm?

Example: One time there was really loud thunder and I was scared, and my daddy came and sat with me and told me it was okay and we counted together until I felt better.

Bridge to the reading: It feels so good when someone in our family helps us feel safe and protected. In today's reading, we will hear about Joseph, and how he listened to God so he could keep baby Jesus and Mary safe from danger.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Who came to Joseph in a dream to give him a message?

    Example: An angel came to Joseph in his dream. The angel told him important things about keeping his family safe from danger.

  2. Where did Joseph take Mary and baby Jesus to keep them safe?

    Example: Joseph took Mary and baby Jesus far away to a place called Egypt so they would be safe from the bad king.

  3. What did Joseph do when the angel told him it was safe to go home?

    Example: Joseph listened to the angel again and he took his family back home, and they went to live in a town called Nazareth.

  4. Why do you think Joseph got up and left right away in the middle of the night?

    Example: I think Joseph loved Jesus and Mary so much that he wanted to keep them safe, and he trusted God to tell him what to do.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they had to leave their home quickly to keep Jesus safe?

    Example: I think they felt a little scared because they had to leave fast, but also they felt brave because they knew God was helping them.

  2. What is something you can do to help take care of someone in your family this week?

    Example: I could help my little brother put on his shoes, or I could share my toys with my sister when she is sad.

  3. When something feels scary or hard, how can you ask God to help you like God helped Joseph?

    Example: I could say a little prayer in my head and ask God to help me know what to do and to keep me safe.

Recap

Today we heard how Joseph listened to God and kept his family safe. An angel warned Joseph that baby Jesus was in danger, so Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. When it was safe, Joseph brought them home to Nazareth. Joseph loved his family and trusted God to help him take care of them.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all the moms and dads and grandparents who work hard to keep their families safe, that God will give them strength and wisdom, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, God, for giving us families who love us. Help us to be like Joseph and listen to you. Help us to take care of the people we love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Joseph Keeps His Family Safe

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

W B N S A F E B A I R T N S C
H M J K O Y Y U I I X V M Y T
Q K E N D K I N J I M R D S Z
I I K J R W L O V E S U S E J
Q E F D E P F A M I L Y S C V
I B C A A E L P N N N V X B D
H T P V M T N E T S I L B P T
Y G I J T T N O E G Y P T R E
Q P M T C Z A F W O R N U K F
Z V Q W E J Z Q E E W O L X B
J A P U T G A A H M J Y B L Y
W E E W O K R C Z R L E G N A
F C B Q R Q E S Q G U U L V O
J O S E P H T Z O A Y U D N M
A S C H O B H S B Y R A M F Q

Words to find

  • Joseph
  • Mary
  • Jesus
  • angel
  • dream
  • Egypt
  • family
  • safe
  • Nazareth
  • protect
  • love
  • listen

ChildrensLiturgy.org