I’d like to think that God had it all planned out. You know: Get born. Chill ’till the Magi show up with Christmas presents. Dodge Herod’s little genocide. Hide out in Egypt until the coast is clear. Around Bar-Mitzvah age, start showing off at the Temple. Etc.

But with Joseph and Mary throwing Him an abortive curveball like this, He’d have to improvise. And carry on. After all, He’s got a pretty important mission still on His plate: the salvation of all humankind! So to borrow a line from Fred and Ginger, He’s gotta pick Himself up, dust Himself off, and start all over again!

NEXT: John the Baptist!