Welcome as Jesus was Welcomed
As we enter Advent, we are reminded that the Christmas story is not only about a manger, it is also about a family on the run. Under two years after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s violence. They crossed borders, sought safety in a foreign land, and relied on the hospitality of strangers. In every sense, Jesus began His earthly life as a refugee.
This truth shapes how we understand our call today. When we welcome newcomers, we are honouring the lived experience of Christ Himself. Every act of kindness, a warm greeting, a listening ear, a moment of patience, is a reflection of God’s love. And in a climate where negative perceptions about newcomers continue to circulate, our response matters. We are invited to be countercultural, to live out a love that is patient, present, and courageous.
As we enter Advent, we are reminded that the Christmas story is not only about a manger, it is also about a family on the run. Under two years after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s violence. They crossed borders, sought safety in a foreign land, and relied on the hospitality of strangers. In every sense, Jesus began His earthly life as a refugee.
This truth shapes how we understand our call today. When we welcome newcomers, we are honouring the lived experience of Christ Himself. Every act of kindness, a warm greeting, a listening ear, a moment of patience, is a reflection of God’s love. And in a climate where negative perceptions about newcomers continue to circulate, our response matters. We are invited to be countercultural, to live out a love that is patient, present, and courageous.
As you reflect this season, we invite you to ponder:
How does knowing Jesus was a refugee shape the way I view and welcome newcomers?
What does “love in action” look like in my daily life?
Where might God be inviting me to extend hospitality, understanding, or presence this Christmas?
If you feel led to support this work in a tangible way, we invite you to give through our Christmas Catalogue, which directly supports refugee claimants as they start their new lives in Canada. Your generosity makes a real and lasting difference.
