It was a scene of great joy when three siblings and their family members were reunited after a long separation. Seeking safety, they had fled their homeland in the midst of a civil war, and for eight long years they had lived in different refugee camps, moving from one place to another and searching for each other. Now, in a crowded airport, they were finally reunited. Our church, responsible for their resettlement, had provided housing, but it would not be “home” until the arrival of their loved ones.

Home is supposed to mean safety, belonging, and welcome. But for millions of people their home region has become dangerous and unwelcoming. War, violence, discrimination, and even natural disasters have forced millions to leave their homes. Some get to start a new life. Others languish, homeless and growing hopeless.

Baby Jesus was a refugee when his family fled to Egypt to ­escape death (Matthew 2). He later said that he had nowhere to rest his head. He understands the pain and sorrow of a refugee.

God has great concern for ­refugees. Psalm 68 says that God will give the desolate a home, and in Isaiah 65 we read of a “new” time when people can build houses and stay in them. More than that, God offers the deep shelter of belonging to him—under his wings we find refuge.