Reflection for December 28
Evie, age 7
Jesus was a migrant — a refugee — as an infant.
Mary and Joseph were refugees too. This is part of the Christmas Story.
Unwelcome at the Inn, they made do in the stable to welcome Baby Jesus. Imagine Mary giving birth and then they had to flee to Egypt for safety. (Did they take the gold, frankincense, and myrrh from the Magi?) This young refugee family faced uncertainty, fear, and a lot of unknowns — much like refugee families today. However, Egypt opened their borders to be a safe space for Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. The Christmas Story — when God became flesh and came among us — journeys from the stable to Egypt.
If it wasn’t for Joseph’s protection and Egypt’s willingness to let the refugee Holy Family seek safety, Jesus would not have been able to make his full pilgrimage among us here on Earth and share his ministry with all humanity. Jesus finding safety in Egypt allowed for His journey to the cross and pilgrimage back to His and our promised, eternal home.
This Christmas, let us remember what happens to Baby Jesus after his birth and recall his journey to Egypt. Let us recall and mark the start of His pilgrimage on Earth as well as our own pilgrimage to the Nativity and to Heaven. This Christmas, let us remember that we are all journeying, together, to Heaven. Where we shall sleep in heavenly peace.
Lisa Muscanell-DePaola