OPINION: We have Christmas because Egypt gave sanctuary to Jesus and his family
Were it not for the sanctuary that Egypt provided to Jews during the reign of Caesar Augustus, Christians might not have a Christmas to celebrate. The Gospel of Matthew says the newborn Jesus and his family fled to Egypt from Bethlehem to escape his death at the hands of King Herod. Matthew’s account of events tells us that Jesus and his family were refugees — forced to leave their home to escape mortal danger. They had asylum in Egypt until Herod died and it was safe to return home.
Jesus became a powerful advocate for the poor, downtrodden and oppressed. He spoke of our responsibility to love one another, including the “stranger.” In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus makes it clear that those who treated strangers with kindness would inherit His kingdom. On the other hand, those who refused to take in strangers, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and give drink to the thirsty would not.
America’s founding fathers heartily embraced these compassionate edicts. In 1783, George Washington told us: “The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…”
America has a proud tradition of providing asylum for the oppressed from every corner of the Earth. We are obligated to do so under international and domestic law. The United States also has a high moral duty to provide refuge to endangered foreigners who have had to flee their country because of improvident military actions the U.S. has conducted, including wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
After retiring from the Idaho Supreme Court in 2017, I had the privilege of working with refugees who came to Idaho from across the world. I can attest that they are truly remarkable American patriots. They understand the value of living in a society where there is opportunity for all, as well as freedom from fear and arbitrary governmental action, at least until recently. Like all of the nationalities that came here before them to this great melting pot of humanity, they will be model citizens, if given the chance.
This country, as great and warm-hearted as it is, has had momentary lapses in the past when it has treated refugees and other immigrants badly because of anxiety stirred up by fearmongers. Irish migrants who fled the Potato Famine in 1845-1852 were subjected to great abuse, even after their sons fought valiantly to save the Union during the Civil War. After imported Chinese workers risked life and limb to build the western section of the intercontinental railroad, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, based on unfounded fears. The Immigration Act of 1924 was designed to hinder immigrants from Italy, East European Jews and East Asians and, again, was driven by the politics of fear. Japanese Americans on the West Coast were rounded up and unjustly imprisoned during World War II, even while their sons were fighting and dying for America in the European Theater of that war.
After each of these shameful episodes, we have looked back and regretted giving into fear stoked by demagogues. Let’s not let it happen again. Remember that we are only able to celebrate Christmas because Egypt gave sanctuary to Jesus and his family.
• • •
Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran who served 8 years as Idaho Attorney General (1983-1991) and 12 years as Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court (2005-2017). He also publishes at substack.com/@jjcommontater