On this the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, we take a moment before Christmas day to reflect on the reality that “everyday somewhere in the world the nativity scene is [still] alive.”
I remember seven years ago when our church family welcomed in a refugee family from Syria. Harassed and helpless, beleaguered and embattled, they would soon begin to flourish, and more, they have would become our friends. Just weeks ago, we were privileged to be part of their citizenship ceremony.
But this year in particular with the insufferable invasion and constant bombardment of Ukraine along with so many other conflicts that go unnoticed by the West, I wonder as I wander… must this nativity scene be replayed over and over again? Displaced by outrageous misfortune; wounded or killed by intention or random strikes, we consider to what extent we are our brothers’ keepers.
To read the original nativity story, see “Good News of Great Joy.”
More Enigma Than Dogma 
In our lounge, stuck on the wall, we have a small cross made of driftwood by Syrian refugee children. A constant reminder of what is happening in Syria, refugee camps in Lebanon etc, and indeed Ukraine where my maternal grandfather was born before he had to flee. The cycle repeats itself, let me like you good folk be a good neighbour to any whom the Lord may bring across my pathway.
The song is a haunting one! Warm Jesus greetings across the seas.
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Thanks for this Erroll. And the grace and peace of our Lord be with you.
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It is a heartbreaking reality that “everyday somewhere in the world the nativity scene is [still] alive.” A haunting song, indeed.
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Amen – we are our brothers’ keeper. So well said.
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