Article May 17, 1999 Issue

PROTECTING CHILDREN

Ellen Moore Thompson

They came—the wise men and the shepherds—following the bright star in the East to celebrate the birth of the long-awaited Bethlehem babe.

But even amid their joy, they were aware of a threat to their safety and to the child himself. King Herod had plans to do away with the young Prince of Peace, believing him to be a rival for the throne. Discerning the king's intentions, the wise men did not obey Herod's command to tell the location of the baby Jesus. Instead, they went home another way. "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word" (Matt. 2:13). Jesus was protected by the love and willingness of the friends and family around him.

Those of us who have children, or who love them, also have the privilege of welcoming their pure innocence and budding promise into our lives. But we, too, like the wise men and Mary and Joseph, must cherish these children in the heart of spiritual understanding. We, too, must take the children we love "into Egypt," mentally placing their innocence in the protective custody of our one divine Parent.

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