Sanctuary Foundation Advent Devotional Day 5
I remember visiting a refugee camp in Lebanon. It was freezing cold as the wind ripped through the flimsy shelters. The people had recently fled the horrors of the war in Syria and only managed to bring the barest of essentials.
One woman flapped open the door of her makeshift home and invited us to drink tea with her on the floor. She wept as she told me she was worried about her son who had been conscripted to the Syrian army to fight Isis. She asked me to pray for her so I did. I prayed that God would save her son, that he would help her to rebuild her life in a foreign land, and I shared with her a promise from Jesus recorded in John’s gospel that explained why he came to earth.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
For the 100 million displaced people around the world, what does life to the full mean? I couldn’t offer this lady the things she was looking for: meaningful work, a safe place to live, or reassurance that her son would be safe. In fact the things she had offered me reflected most clearly what fullness of life really looked like: friendship, honesty, gratitude, a warm welcome on a cold day.
However little you feel you have to offer, you can join in the Season of Sanctuary by inviting someone to share of the fullness of life God has given to you.
Thank you
Krish Kandiah
Director, Sanctuary Foundation
Thank you for joining us on this Season of Sanctuary Advent Journey looking at the themes of welcome and hospitality that lie at the heart of the Christmas story. As you prepare your hearts and homes for Christmas, please consider opening doors of hope for those around you. For more inspiration and information please visit www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk