We know the familiar story of Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph could find no room at an inn in Bethlehem, so Jesus — the son of God — was born in a humble stable.
We realize that the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, had decreed that a census should be taken, so that’s perhaps why the inns were full.
But the apparent lack of hospitality shown to a pregnant mother and father still should bother us. Why didn’t someone else give up their room for this expectant mother?
Refugees seek asylum today
We might ask similar questions today. Our war-torn world is filled with many refugees seeking a room at the inn — somewhere to lay down their weary heads. Yet, many people are encouraging our government and others to turn them away.
Yes, we do have to be cautious about allowing terrorists to enter our country. Careful screening is more important than ever.
But should fear force us to block entrance to all those seeking asylum in the United States of America, which is supposed to be the home of the free? Should we act like the innkeepers who turned away Mary and Joseph?
The three wise men
I think it’s interesting, too, that the three wise men were among the first visitors to see Jesus. They apparently came from an area now located in Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Yemen.
They had seen an unusual star in the sky which told of the birth of a special king. They sought out King Herod of Israel to ask where they should go to find the baby; he asked the wise men to tell him where they found him.
The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem, but were told in a dream not to inform Herod where Jesus was.
So it was the three wise men from the east who saved Jesus’ life. It seems fitting that we Christians today should return the favor by offering our help to refugees fleeing from persecution.