Dear Friends,
The plight and the flight of refugees trying to find a safe haven have been in our headlines once again recently. The tragedy of those who lost their lives just off the French coast is a stark reminder of the risks people are prepared to take, and of course the unscrupulous people organising the crossings at a great price, but in unseaworthy vessels.
It is hard to imagine what it must be like to be so afraid of remaining in your homeland that you carry all your belongings with you, heading into the unknown with a hope and a dream of a better life. You are at the mercy of the people traffickers all along your route, there are no guarantees about anything.
In a few weeks’ time we will recall the story of how God became a refugee as a new born baby. The holy family are usually portrayed as travelling on their own, into exile in Egypt, fleeing the infanticide of Herod’s soldiers. However, the reality would probably have been different. Travelling in a group was much safer, there might well have been others who decided to flee too. And so Mary and Joseph may well have had the company of other scared and fearful refugees as they travelled.
We do not know what they experienced in Egypt. Being in a skilled trade may well have helped Joseph to provide income and some security but it would not have been much of a start to life for the incarnate Son of Man.
No wonder he identified with those on the edge, those who did not fit, or felt that they did not belong or have a place.
How might you, as a part of your advent journey, offer support to those in similar situations in our City, or further afield?
Peace
Tim