Listen

In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Luke 2:1-7

Think

In some Latino countries, the tradition of Las Posadas is a way to prepare for the birth of Jesus. This tradition reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. In many ways, it is the representation of the journey many families, including mine, make from Latin America in search of better opportunities.

In the late 1980s my parents embarked from El Salvador to the United States searching for a better life and escaping the war that existed in their homeland. They traveled long days and nights with exhausted bodies, enduring thirst, aching fear, obstacles, and challenging circumstances. They used their hope and dreams as fuel for their journey, a journey in the name of love. Many people continue to make this journey today. This Christmas, reflect on how you might engage with people who have journeyed to your community. Remember that many of them have made a journey in the name of love, holding onto hopes and dreams for a better life.

Marcia Quintanilla

Question to Ponder:

How might you offer hospitality, love, and compassion to immigrants and strangers in your community?

Pray

God of justice and love,

help me to always lead with compassion

and make room in the inn for others to sit at your table.

Amen

Go

Glory to the light of the world

Glory to the light of the world

For all who wait

For all who hunger

For all who’ve prayed

For all who wonder

Behold your King

Behold Messiah

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

“Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle