“Jesus’ mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19)
In this season of Advent, we remember the vulnerability of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. At the start of the Christmas story, Mary is unmarried, pregnant in strange circumstances and about to be abandoned by her betrothed. She ends up delivering her baby in a stable, far from family and support.
Post birth, Joseph is warned that Herod is determined to kill Jesus so he leads his family away from their home country and towards Egypt. They become refugees– on the move, presumably jobless and unable to communicate with locals.
As we reflect on the Christmas story and the vulnerability of Jesus’ parents, we
- think of those who are in similarly precarious situations nowadays
- ponder the opportunities we may have to cross paths and connect with families on the edge. This may be in our churches, social action projects or through our workplaces.
- pray for healthcare professionals who may encounter victims of modern slavery in their role. We pray you would give them wisdom to know what to say and courage to speak. We pray they would be able to provide timely care to vulnerable people and point them in the direction of further support.
In one study, more than two thirds of modern slavery survivors had presented in healthcare settings whilst or shortly after being trafficked.
