IMAGINE AN UNDOCUMENTED GROUP TRUDGING THROUGH THE DESERT...

They escape their homeland in the midst of a dark night. It is dangerous in the desert. Coyotes are on the prowl, both animal and human.

The three of them shudder in the cold night air.

The desert trail is not a hospitable path.

Their flight hs been sudden.

So they possess no passports nor visas.

So they are undocumented.

Many today would identify them as "illegal aliens."

Then and now they are scorned by the "Good people" who consider them trespassers.

But what are they to do?

They are threatened by a cold hearted authoritarian ruler.

Perhaps he will erect barrirs or even a wall to pen them in.

And many people will cheer the leader's desire to make Israel great again by getting rid of the undesirables.

SO THEIR CHILD WILL NEED SAFETY, AND A BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO SIMPLY GROW UP IN A FRIENDLY PLACE.

TODAY THEIR NAMES MIGHT BE :

JOSE, AND MARIA, AND JESU.

Then on their way fleeing across the border into Egypt,

they wre known as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

And they fled knowing somehow that thir child had a mission to fulfill. For had not the wise seer in the temple  proclaimed to them::

"Now Master you can let your servant go in peace,

according to your word,

for mine eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all the nations,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel!"

And so we pray:

O God may your light shine upon the paths of refugees

here and around our world.

Let them go forth in peace,

for they walk in the footsteps

of the Holy Family.

Amen

And New Year's Blessings to All.

"How we spend our days, is of course,

how we spend our lives!"

Annie Dillard