THE STORY
War, violence, death...a man and a woman had to make the decision to flee or to stay in the midst of danger. This decision was not only for themselves, but also on behalf of their baby boy. Were they scared? Could they speak the language? Did they have the finances to be sustainable? Would there even be a place to stay? What should they do?
They walked for miles in search of a place of refuge until they reached the safety of Egypt. Jesus the Refugee.
With themes like “Peace on earth, goodwill to men,” Christmas brings a season of community, sharing with others and supporting those who are struggling. Imagine how Mary and Joseph felt as they had to flee to Egypt for the safety of their child, Jesus.
We read the refugee story of our savior and it’s easy to replace it with the story of a modern refugee. Today’s refugees are victims. As a church, let’s stop trying to figure out why we should care more about these people, and more about how we can best care for them. Our savior had to flee for safety. If He came to your home or to seek refuge in your church, how would you embrace him?
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
THE WHY
Today, 7.6 million Syrians are displaced within the country and 3.8 million have sought refuge in other countries. Families are moving not simply to better their lives, but to literally save their lives.
To end the refugee crisis, the Church must lead the way. These individuals are calling out for a glimmer of hope and are coming to us when we cannot go to them. What if we raise our voices as one and make this our mission this Christmas – to display the hope of Jesus Christ to more than 11 million people fleeing violence in Syria? What if the church around the world united and said we will welcome those who suffer? What would the result be?
THE HOW
Around the country, church leaders are equipping their congregations to follow Jesus’ example this Christmas season by welcoming the stranger and serving the most vulnerable – an opportunity to stand against discrimination and injustice by practicing radical hospitality.
Join us in mobilizing your church this Christmas by partnering with World Relief. Through the impactful message of “Born Unto Us: Jesus the Refugee,” make a difference in the US and around the world. As we serve refugees through urgent supplies, ESL, job placement trainings, trauma therapy and more, every $1,500 raised helps provide vital support to one family.
We invite your church to join us this Christmas as we raise support for refugee families. Together, we can make a lasting kingdom impact.
“Born Unto Us: Jesus the Refugee” is built specifically for your church service. The campaign includes:
- Sermon notes and guides
- Social media templates
- Bulletin templates
- A moving 1 min video
- Web banners
- And more
Now is the time to partner together and share the hope of Christ to the most vulnerable throughout Christmas season.