One of the things that many people do around the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years is to travel to see family or friends, or to take some time to relax at a special vacation spot. Ann and I were among the holiday travellers as we travelled to and from Texas to visit family. Have you ever thought of how travel has been a part of the Christmas story since the days when Jesus was born? A young Mary travels to see her relative, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with a child that would be known as John the Baptist. Angels from on high travel to a shepherds field outside of Bethlehem to share the glad tidings that Christ is born. Wise men from the East follow a star to Bethlehem to worship at the feet of the Christ child and to bring him gifts. Finally, we hear in the gospel of Matthew that Joseph and Mary follow an angels instructions to travel to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod in his “slaughter of the innocents” as he sought to kill young males in his fear of a child King. Anotherwords, Jesus and his family not only travelled in those days after the first Christmas, but they were immigrants.
Immigration is a difficult subject for people to talk about in these days here in the United States. Some folks speak strongly against immigration sharing stories of immigrants who did deplorable and criminal acts. I have spoken directly to people in Texas who lived near the Mexican border and heard them describe some of the issues there. While it is not the purpose of this blog to tackle political and social issues, I will state this biblical truth: Jesus was an immigrant. Furthermore, let me state that the Bible is clear that we should welcome the alien and stranger among us.
Finally, let me state that while I
do not know or am not acquainted with every immigrant that has entered the
United States, I can say with honesty and truth that I have been blessed by my
relationship with immigrants from other places. I have been inspired by their stories about
their journey to the United States and their perspective on the blessings of
being a United States citizen. I find
myself admiring their industriousness and am grateful of how they have touched my life. I do not have the answer to the immigration
issues before us. However, I know this: Jesus was an immigrant in his earthly life
and I have seen Christ in immigrants I have known. Have a joy-filled week.- Pastor Randy Wall
PRAYER-
God, thank you for coming into the
world in the Word incarnate, Christ Jesus.
Grant that I may more fully welcome him into my heart. Give us eyes to see you in others even those
who look or talk different than myself;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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