It is difficult for us to form a clear picture of the timing of events during Our Lord’s childhood.  Although we celebrate the coming of the wise men twelve days after Christmas the fact that Herod thought it necessary to kill the male children up to the age of two suggests that the Holy Family remained in Bethlehem for some time.  However, when Herod’s evil intentions became clear Joseph had to lead Jesus and Mary to safety in Egypt, out of Herod’s reach.  Herod actually died in 4 BC. but mediaeval miscalculations of the date led to the birth of the Lord being dated later.  The Romans divided his kingdom among his sons Archelaus, Philip and Antipas and annexed a fourth part under direct rule.  As we think of the Holy Family in exile we pray for all displaced and refugee families – especially those in fear for their lives – and entrust them to the care of St Joseph.