Holy Family 2013 Forever Stamps — Flight into Egypt, Religious Christmas Issue

Issue facts

Value: 66¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate
Issued: October 11, 2013
First Day City: New York, NY
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products
Method: Offset printing in sheets of 200, 10 panes of 20
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 11

The scene

Joseph leads a donkey carrying Mary and the infant Jesus beneath a shining star. Art director William Gicker, designer Greg Breeding and artist Nancy Stahl produced the stamp.

The story it depicts

After the Wise Men came looking for the "King of the Jews" and honored the child with gold, frankincense and myrrh, Herod saw a rival and set out to destroy him. Warned in a dream, Joseph took his family and left.

The journey to Egypt ran roughly 200 miles and began immediately. The Magi's gifts, whatever else they meant, were what paid for it.

Legends from the road

Several attached themselves to the flight. In one, Mary grew hungry and Jesus caused a palm tree to bend down so she could reach the dates. In another, idols toppled and shattered as he passed. Churches still stand at sites believed to be where the family sheltered along the way.

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