The Holy Family as Refugees

The Christmas story does not end at the manger.

In this powerful Christmas reflection, Bethany member Carol Haller invites us to see Jesus’ early life through the lens of Matthew’s Gospel—as a story of displacement, danger, and refuge. Fleeing Herod’s violence, the Holy Family becomes refugees in Egypt, dependent on the kindness of strangers for survival.

Carol weaves this biblical story together with the real-life story of a modern refugee family welcomed by Bethany Lutheran Church. Through courage, community support, and faithful accompaniment, we glimpse Christ alive among us today.

This reflection calls us to:

See Jesus in the faces of refugees and immigrants

Remember that faith becomes real when it shapes how we welcome the stranger

Commit ourselves to compassion, advocacy, and long-term care