Traditional Christmas : Holy Family Forever Stamp 2012
Retelling the timeless tale of the Three Wise Men's journey to honor the newborn Jesus is a cherished Christmas tradition. However, lesser-known is the poignant narrative of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt following the departure of the Magi.
In response to news of a potential new Jewish king, King Herod of Judea dispatched the Magi to locate the infant and bring him to his court. Yet, each wise man was visited by a dream, warning them to circumvent Herod's orders and return home through an alternative route. Enraged by their disobedience, Herod decreed the "slaughter of the innocents," ordering the massacre of all male children under two years old to eliminate any threat posed by the newborn Jesus.
Simultaneously, an angel appeared to Joseph, urging him to flee to Egypt with his wife, Mary, and their infant son, Jesus, for safety. Guided by a solitary star through the harsh desert, Mary rode upon a donkey cradling her child, while Joseph walked by her side. Finding refuge in Egypt, they remained until Herod's demise before returning home.
The enduring journey of the Holy Family holds a poignant legacy, with traditions suggesting divine intervention. According to lore, donkeys were granted the gift of speech on that fateful night, as one attempted to rouse Joseph from slumber when Herod's soldiers approached. Through fervent prayer, the donkey was bestowed with a resounding voice, its bray echoing through the desert, ultimately safeguarding the infant king.
Artistically rendered by the collaborative efforts of art director William Gicker, designer Greg Breeding, and artist Nancy Stahl, the stamp depicts Joseph leading a donkey bearing Mary and baby Jesus beneath the guiding light of a radiant star.
Since the inaugural issuance of the first U.S. Christmas stamp in 1962, both religious and contemporary designs have graced holiday mail. While earlier editions often portrayed classical interpretations of the Madonna and Child, the 2012 Holy Family stamp embarked on a modern narrative, inspired by the biblical verse, "Out of Egypt I call my Son."
