Devotions

So many immigrants and refugees work in jobs like the shepherds did, though in their home countries they may have been doctors or military commanders. But here they may be looked down on, just as the shepherds were on that first Christmas.

It takes endurance to leave your original home and ultimately end up in America. It takes courage and strength to walk through deserts and over mountains; to travel by boat; or to apply for programs that, years later, result in a plane flight to St. Louis and a new life.

Jesus warned people that following would cost them. Refugees and immigrants understand these costs better than most Americans born here do. They may have experienced homelessness as they fled war zones or lived in refugee camps. We all can join in helping them!

…as soon as Jesus healed her, she went straight back to what she knew best, the work that made her happy—serving her guests. Serving Jesus, who had served her first by healing her.

Jesus tells us to count the cost of becoming his disciples. What could we lose? What will we gain? Losses there will certainly be, though it’s hard to tell ahead of time exactly what. But what we will gain?