For most Americans, the Christmas and the New Year’s celebrations are a time of joy spent with family and friends. This holiday season, we hope you will join us in remembering the millions of migrants and refugees worldwide for whom this season will be less than joyful.
This Holiday Season, Stand in Solidarity with the Newcomer!
Today, we face a very dangerous world and a global refugee crisis of a magnitude unseen since World War II. Millions of Syrian refugees have fled war and violence in their home countries, seeking sanctuary in neighboring countries and Europe. Children and families from Central America are fleeing extreme violence and seeking protection. These refugees are being forced to embark on perilous journeys, risking their lives to escape the unlivable conditions of their beloved homelands.
As Lutherans, we have always responded to God’s call to welcome the stranger through ministries of service and justice. LIRS is offering several ways that individuals and Lutheran congregations across the country can use this holiday season to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in local communities.
Work for welcome in your community during the holiday season with these actions:
Designate one Sunday as Refugee Sunday
Use our devotional prayer for migrants and refugees. Here are the ELCA version written by Bishop Michael Rinehart and the LCMS version by Reverend Bart Day. Visit LIRS.org/refugeesunday for additional worship materials including videos, sermon notes, and a flyer.
Join our Hope for the Holidays Card Writing Campaign and Gift Drive
Bring light and joy to children and mothers in immigration family detention. Join LIRS in sending Christmas cards and gifts to detained mothers and children this holiday season. We encourage you to write a message of hope to a family in detention and then mail your cards to LIRS. Also, consider purchasing a gift for a detained child or mother.
Share your #HolidayWelcome activities with us
Be sure to take photos of your events and share them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #HolidayWelcome and tag @LIRSorg so we can lift up your amazing work with others around the country!
Do not be afraid to reach out and welcome an immigrant to your table for in so doing, you are welcoming Christ into your home!