Photograph by Joseph Lockley via Unsplash

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:13-15, NIV

The season of Advent is here. Many churches and Christian leaders will focus upon the four themes of the season: hope, peace, love, and joy. Much attention will be given to the birth narratives in the gospels. Of particular focus is the beautiful passage in the Gospel of Matthew, featuring the “gifts of the Magi” (Matthew 2). I personally, however, have not heard many unpack the Holy Family’s escape into Egypt, to save the life of the baby Jesus.

We are told that the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to “escape to Egypt,” and to stay there because Herod would search for Jesus to kill him. The text is silent, however, regarding the perilous journey that Jesus and his parents would have to take – traveling day and night across rough and rugged terrain, the fear and terror of being caught, the physical pain of a woman who had recently given birth and was nursing an infant, the weariness of a courageous man who had to protect and provide for his family, all while pulling a camel across hundreds of miles.

Scholars suggest that the journey to and from Egypt was approximately 1,200 miles. Based upon historical records of Jewish settlements along the Israeli and Egyptian borders, some argue that they may have been able to settle among their own people during this difficult season. One could argue, however, that along the way, they must have encountered people who were not of Jewish descent. It is plausible to believe that God had people along the way who gave them a meal, pointed them towards safe lodging, and protected them from others who meant them no good – individuals who “welcomed the stranger.” How would we have responded to Jesus and his family?

In 2024, American Baptist Women’s Ministries focused upon the mission theme, “Welcoming the Stranger.” In our sectional meetings, Bible studies, and devotional messages, we contemplated, “What does it mean to welcome the stranger?” Little did we realize how timely and prophetic those conversations would become. Following a contentious, divisive, and frankly ugly presidential campaigning season, America spoke. A large swath of voters decided to return to the nation’s highest office a man who campaigned on “securing our nation’s borders,” using the military to conduct mass deportations, and “returning America to Americans.” The fact that this same man advised congressional members of his party to tank bipartisan legislation that would have addressed many of the issues plaguing our borders for years, did not matter. He proudly declared, “Blame me,” when the largely conservative bill failed.

In the face of these daunting realities, as people of God, we must continually ask ourselves, “How am I doing welcoming the stranger? What steps can I take as an individual, community member, church member, and person of God to help those who are desiring a better life, running from the ‘Herods’ of many forms?”

American Baptist Women’s Ministries is committed to fostering relationships across diverse communities. Through ABWM’s Rudd Empowerment Center, we will be a voice in global conversations, focused specifically on welcoming, empowering, and including all women. ABWM continues to serve as a pivotal voice advocating for the full inclusion of women in every sphere of leadership. We believe that it is important to support women and their families, no matter their color, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. All of these are ways in which we strive to welcome the stranger. Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you did not welcome me” (Matthew 25:43).

How can we all do better welcoming the stranger? Below are a few recommendations:

Show the love of Christ through compassionate education: Study the issues for yourself, dialogue with individuals who work with immigrant communities, and when given the opportunity, share facts instead of misinformation regarding those among us.

Support local immigrant communities in tangible ways: If you are an employer, work with immigrant employees to get on the path to legal citizenship. Avoid taking advantage of undocumented immigrants by hiring them simply to avoid paying employees a living wage. Individuals can support shelters and food pantries that focus upon caring for immigrant communities.

Become an informed voter: Although the presidential election has passed, pay attention to local elections. Learn about candidates and their platforms. Vote for individuals who are “social justice” minded. Remember, voting, coupled with prayer, can bring about change!

Treat others with love and compassion: You may never “walk a mile in their shoes,” but you certainly can imagine what it would be like. Show people kindness, respect, and compassion. You can’t do everything, but we all can do something.