Infinitum Advent Make Room, Week 3Uzorak

When Jesus was still young, He became a refugee in Egypt. This experience of being far from home in a foreign land would have marked young Jesus in His human form as it does all refugees. This experience marked Egypt as well. To this day, places in Egypt have shaped their identity around the truth that they welcomed Jesus in His time of need.

The great tragedy of genocide in Israel brought excruciating sorrow, but those who were involved in welcoming the hurting received a new sense of purpose, identity and joy. Israel’s loss was Egypt’s gain.

Egypt celebrates this honour with this song:

Rejoice, Oh Egypt,
oh, people of Egypt,
children of Egypt who live within its borders.
Rejoice and lift up your heart,
for the Lover of all mankind
(He who has been before the beginning of all ages)
has come to you.

Making room for Jesus in their hearts and land was an honour they acknowledge and celebrate!

How would we feel if we were given the honour of hosting Jesus in our home this Christmas? Can you imagine feeling this level of honour while hosting ‘the least of these’? What do you notice about yourself or your thoughts as you compare the difference between those two scenarios?