Image compares the Holy Family to modern refugees

Seeing the
Holy Family
in Today’s Refugees and Migrants

The story of the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—fleeing to Egypt is a narrative that often goes unnoticed during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Yet, this story holds profound relevance today, offering a powerful lens through which we can view the plight of modern-day refugees and migrants. In the Gospel of Matthew (2:13-15), we learn that shortly after Jesus’ birth, King Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem. Warned by an angel in a dream, Joseph took Mary and Jesus and fled to Egypt to escape this impending violence. They became refugees, fleeing their homeland to find safety in a foreign country. This image of the Holy Family on the run, seeking refuge from violence and persecution, bears a striking resemblance to the experiences of countless refugees and migrants today. By reflecting on their story, we are invited to see Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in those who are displaced, suffering, and in search of safety. This perspective challenges us to respond with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to justice.

The Holy Family as Refugees

When we picture Mary and Joseph embarking on their journey to Egypt, we see a young, vulnerable family forced to leave everything familiar behind. They faced uncertainty, danger, and the hardships of traveling with a newborn. They became strangers in a foreign land, dependent on the hospitality and kindness of others. This experience is not unlike the journeys made by millions of people around the world today. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are currently over 100 million forcibly displaced people globally, including over 35 million refugees who have fled violence, war, persecution, or natural disasters. For these individuals and families, the journey is marked by fear, loss, and an uncertain future.

Drawing Parallels to Today’s Refugees and Migrants

When we recognize the Holy Family as refugees, we begin to see Christ in those fleeing violence and persecution today. This shift in perspective invites us to ask difficult questions: How are we treating the Holy Family in our midst? Are we welcoming them, providing sanctuary, and advocating for their dignity? Or are we turning them away out of fear or indifference?

Fleeing Violence and Persecution Much like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled the threat of Herod’s violence, many modern refugees are escaping war, political instability, religious persecution, or gang violence. They are families, parents, and children who are forced to leave their homes to seek safety and a better future. Recognizing this commonality compels us to see refugees not as strangers, but as individuals whose experiences echo those of the Holy Family.
The Call to Radical Hospitality Throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme of showing hospitality to the stranger and welcoming those in need. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” When we see the Holy Family in today’s refugees and migrants, this biblical mandate becomes a direct call to action. It challenges us to open our hearts and communities to those seeking refuge, just as we would open our doors to Christ Himself.
Compassionate Advocacy and Solidarity Seeing the Holy Family in today’s refugees goes beyond empathy; it calls for active advocacy. This means standing in solidarity with refugees and migrants, supporting policies that protect their rights, and opposing those that marginalize or dehumanize them. It means challenging harmful narratives that portray refugees as threats rather than as families seeking safety and dignity.

Embracing the Holy Family in Our Midst

During Advent and Christmas, Christians are called to reflect on the incarnation of God in the vulnerable child born in a stable, the Prince of Peace who began life as a refugee. This story should move us to deeper compassion for those experiencing displacement today and inspire us to take meaningful action.

Practicing Compassionate Welcome Churches and communities can become places of refuge by supporting refugee resettlement programs, partnering with local organizations that serve displaced people, and offering practical assistance such as housing, language classes, and legal support. Practicing compassionate welcome also means creating spaces where refugees and migrants are truly seen and valued, rather than merely tolerated.
Engaging in Advocacy Faith communities have a significant role to play in advocating for just immigration policies and refugee protections. This includes raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees, pushing for humane treatment at borders, and resisting policies that deny safety and dignity to those fleeing violence. By advocating for change, we live out our faith in a way that honors the story of the Holy Family.
Building Relationships of Solidarity Welcoming refugees isn’t just about providing resources; it’s also about building relationships. Listening to their stories, sharing meals, and celebrating holidays together can break down barriers and create bonds of solidarity. These relationships help transform abstract issues into real connections, making it harder to ignore the humanity of those in need.

The story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as refugees fleeing violence challenges us to rethink how we respond to today’s refugees and migrants. It invites us to embrace the Holy Family in those seeking safety and refuge, recognizing their dignity and worth. By practicing radical hospitality, advocating for justice, and building relationships of solidarity, we can embody the spirit of Advent and Christmas in a way that honors the vulnerable Christ child. In this season of waiting and hope, may we open our hearts to the displaced and marginalized, seeing the face of Christ in each one. Let us remember that welcoming the stranger is not just a gesture of charity—it is a fundamental act of faithfulness to the Gospel message.