Mary and Joseph, Refugees
“As I ponder what these last few days before the Nativity might have meant for Mary and Joseph, I can’t help but see the connection between their journey to Bethlehem and flight to Egypt with the travels of so many refugee families searching for a new, safe home…I know that Mary didn’t have a baby registry set up with Amazon, and likely no baby showers were providing all her newborn’s needs, but I can imagine that she was longing for a safe, warm, and clean bed and the local midwife’s attention when her time came. As a carpenter, Joseph likely had little experience with women’s labor and delivery work. And then, just when the new family might have felt a bit secure, God reveals the danger they are in should they remain in Bethlehem, so off they flee to a new, safe home where they will be strangers, refugees in this new land. In so many human ways, they were on their own in this endeavor, much like the refugees who are longing to come to a country of safety but where everything will be new to them—new languages, new customs, a whole new life.” — Judith Schellhammer, chair Resolution Review Committee, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, December 22, 2016, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. www.edomi.org.
My heart goes out to the many refugees in our world who are simply seeking basic safety for their own lives and their families. I have mainly become acquainted with several DREAMERS, undocumented immigrants who came with their parents years ago and now seek education and status. Their situation is very tenuous. This country is the one they know and where they have grown up. They have no connection to their country of origin. We would deport some of the hardest working groups of people I have experienced, who already enrich and broaden our culture.
I try to connect to them in some small way by remembering that our ancestors were refugees in this country unless we are Native American.
My heart also goes out to the many Afghan refugees coming to our country, who are starting over without knowledge of the culture or language. Turning on the stove or washing machine is as foreign as our language. Yet, we also have much to learn from them. Endurance. Bravery. Trusting.
I also see ourselves in our search for God as refugees, often deciding to leave a place or point of view of our origin, seeking more, a larger view of God, a new life, and continually learning a new language. We step out on roads less traveled. It also cannot be a straightforward journey, but it is a sacred adventure where guides can be helpful.
Advent is always a good starting point for this journey.
Joanna https://www.joannaseibert.com/
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