Home By Another Way
After Jesus’ birth in Matthew 2, the Magi arrive in Jerusalem (not quite Bethlehem but I guess following stars can only get you so close) and ask King Herod about the child born King of the Jews. Herod hasn’t heard anything about it but in verse 8 asks them to “go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
The Magi find Jesus but are warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. In verse 12 they return to their country by another way.
In verse 13 an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him to take his family to Egypt. After not hearing from the Magi, Herod orders the slaughter of all males under the age of 2. Joseph and Mary do what any loving parents would do and they flee, keeping their son safe. Matthew doesn’t say much more about their time in Egypt. We don’t know what life was like for them in a foreign country, but they must have been welcomed. Historically, many faithful Jews would have settled in Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem (both times) and the Holy Family would have been welcomed by faithful Jews who knew their Torah:
· Exodus 22:21 “do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
· Deuteronomy 10:18 “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
· Leviticus 23:22 “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you.”
Eventually Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are able to return and settle in the region of Galilee.
There are currently an estimated 26.4 million refugees in the world today who have been forced from their homes due to persecution, war, or violence (like the Holy Family). They did not ask to be refugees or to leave their homes and start over somewhere with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Remembering our calling to welcome the stranger and care for our neighbors we are hoping to partner with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota to help a refugee family new to Minnesota. Please stay tuned (and get those hot dishes ready).
In the meantime, Easter’s Outreach Advisory Team approved a donation in December to help refugee children get ready for their first Minnesota winter. Volunteer Donna Gibbons writes:
“I want to thank Easter Church for the money you gave to help our students and families who are new to the country become prepared for winter. I purchased over 15 pairs of winter boots, 10 winter jackets, along with gloves, hats, sweats, leggings, and socks by spending just over $1,300.
A few families who recently arrived from Central America sent profuse thanks and blessings to Easter Church. They had no idea how cold it could be and they are so happy that they now have coats and boots.
One student who lives with an uncle was so excited with his new boots, that he strutted down the hallway near our classrooms with his new boots on his feet. He was on his way to the bus on the Dec 10 snowstorm. On that day, we received a shipment of about 10 pairs of boots at Two Rivers High School from Kohls. They could not have arrived on a better day.
Along with the generosity of Easter Church my colleagues and I also received donations from our friends and families. We distributed many blankets, towels, sweaters, pants, kitchen items, and beds to the families of our students. Thank you so much for helping our new families feel welcomed to their new country.”
Thank you, Easter Lutheran Church, for remembering refugees in your prayers and for offering your support and welcome. Refugees are forced to find home by another way—and that way is you and me and the generosity of faithful Christians around the world.
In Christ,
PB