Jesus Was a Refugee: An Advent Calendar Devotional

The Holy Family’s Journey of Displacement

“All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
‘Look, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’”  (Matthew 1:22-23)

In this season of waiting and hoping, displacement is at the heart of the Advent story. At the time Mary was to give birth to Jesus, the people were required by Caesar Augustus to return to their hometown for a census, for fear of persecution – traveling during a time of anticipation and uncertainty ahead of childbirth.

Was Jesus a refugee?

The Holy Family was famously not invited into anyone’s home, despite their vulnerable state. They needed shelter for a safe birth of Jesus, but “there was no room for them in the inn.”

Shortly after Jesus’ birth, King Herod, fearful of rumors about the Baby, ordered all infants similar in age to Jesus be killed – known as the Murder of the Innocents. Jesus’ family became refugees, fleeing to Egypt to escape.

Modern Parallels: 120 Million Displaced People Today

Today, over 120 million displaced people worldwide share similar journeys of seeking safety and welcome. Through this 24-day Advent calendar, we invite you to experience stories of immigrants, former refugees and supporters while reflecting on the Holy Family’s experience of displacement during that first Christmas.

Daily Reflections and Prayers

We invite you to download our Advent Story Calendar. Each day of Advent, as you reflect on the Holy Family’s journey as a displaced people at the vulnerable time of childbirth, experience stories of immigrants, former refugees, and supporters in their own words as together, we build a more welcoming world.

Each day features:

• A personal story from an immigrant or refugee
• A guided prayer for reflection
• Discussion questions for individual or group study

This free Advent devotional guides you through December 1-24, perfect for personal reflection or group ministry. May this resource be a blessing and reminder of our enduring call to welcome the stranger, God within our midst.

Download Your Free Advent Story Calendar: 24 Days of Refugee Stories, Prayers & Reflections. 

Download the Advent Story Calendar