A Christmas reflection: Syria

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A Christmas reflection Syria a retelling of
the Christmas story
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Over 2000 years ago, Joseph, Mary and their
unborn child travelled just over 100km from
Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census,
implemented by Quirinius, governor of Syria.It
took them three to four days travelling on foot
and on a donkey.
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Earlier this year, Zahaya, 21, her husband,
Karim, and their one year old son fled over 600km
from Syria to Lebanon to take refuge from the
humanitarian crisis.They took several buses and
made attempts to cross at three different
borders.
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When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, the
town was full.There was no room at the inn, so
they had to stay in a stable.
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There are over 2.2 million Syrian refugees today.
Many live in tents in refugee camps in
neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon, where
Zahaya and her family are.
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Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable.There
was no crib, so they laid the baby in a manger, a
feeding trough for animals.
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It is very difficult to live here in a tent.
We have no shower or bath here. We have no
running water or electricity, says Zahaya. As
a mother, it is difficult to manage my family
here.
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After Jesus birth, King Herod issued a decree to
kill all boys under the age of three.Doing
what was necessary for the good of his family,
Joseph led them out of Israel and into the land
of Egypt as a migrant refugee.
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Zahayas house was demolished by bombs in April
2013.We had nothing, only the clothes we were
wearing. We knew it was time to leave.
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Jesus, Mary and Joseph, living in exile in Egypt
to escape the fury of an evil king, are, for all
times and all places, the models and protectors
of every migrant, alien and refugee of whatever
kind who, whether compelled by fear of
persecution or by want, is forced to leave his
native land, his beloved parents and relatives,
his close friends, and to seek a foreign
soil.Pope Pius XII, Exsul Familia Nazarethana
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To the international community I ask for
the provision of humanitarian aid for the
displaced and refugees, and Syrians who have lost
their homes, showing in the first place the good
of each human person and guarding their
dignity.   Pope Francis
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The Caritas network is providing critical food,
shelter and living supplies to Zahaya and her
family, along with thousands of other refugees
like them.
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Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on
earth peace to those on whom his favour
rests.Luke 214
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Photo credits

• Caritas Switzerland
• Catholic Relief Services
• Eoghan Rice / Trócaire

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www.caritas.org.au/syria