Transcript Document

A Christmas reflection:
Syria – a retelling
of the Christmas
story
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
Zahaya’s house was demolished by
bombs in April 2013.
“We had nothing,
only the clothes we were wearing.
We knew it was time to leave.”
“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
“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
The Caritas network is providing
critical food, shelter and living supplies
to Zahaya and her family, along with
thousands of other refugees like them.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on
whom his favour rests.”
Luke 2:14
Photo credits
• Caritas Switzerland
• Catholic Relief Services
• Eoghan Rice / Trócaire
www.caritas.org.au/syria