Advent Snowglobes (Day 10)

Only the Holy Family is included in this snowglobe- no visitors or animals. I think of the episode immediately following the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:13-23), when they must flee the wrath of Herod and seek refuge in Egypt. This is, without a doubt, the most ignored and unknown element of the Nativity story- and incredibly relevant for today. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary were forced to leave their homeland to escape persecution and certain death. 12 million people are currently fleeing the wrath of modern day Herods, from Assad to ISIS, but many have found other countries less than hospitable. Devout Christians, who may disagree on a host of other issues, have been unanimous: We must welcome the stranger. It is one of the most frequent of the commandments in the Bible. Today, remember the plight of refugees worldwide- and that Jesus was once one himself. "When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them" (Isaiah 19:20).