Children were running around our local library with armfuls of books for the holidays, when I arrived to browse. Our library is a warm and friendly place, alive and joyful, a community gathering venue for people of all ages and interests.
I chanced upon a friend, Sarah. She and I talked briefly. We spoke first about the Syrian exodus (of Biblical proportions), and all the ways different countries are responding. The violence in San Bernardino had just happened, resulting in wide-spread fears among Americans. "Don't let the Muslims in." As if millions of the peace-loving followers of Islam in our country must somehow bear the burden of two jihadists.
Then Sarah and I commented on a short film we'd both seen in the library recently, about Ellis island. I'd said, "We are a country built with immigrants. Look at how open-hearted the people of Lesbos are in the face of thousands of Syrian refugees landing on their small island. And look at how Germany has opened their arms to help. Many countries are offering relief. I don't see how we can close our doors."
Sarah said, "The world is round."
I burst into laughter. Such a simple observation that summed it all up.
Round has no borders.
No separation.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. --Luke 2:8-14
I chanced upon a friend, Sarah. She and I talked briefly. We spoke first about the Syrian exodus (of Biblical proportions), and all the ways different countries are responding. The violence in San Bernardino had just happened, resulting in wide-spread fears among Americans. "Don't let the Muslims in." As if millions of the peace-loving followers of Islam in our country must somehow bear the burden of two jihadists.
Then Sarah and I commented on a short film we'd both seen in the library recently, about Ellis island. I'd said, "We are a country built with immigrants. Look at how open-hearted the people of Lesbos are in the face of thousands of Syrian refugees landing on their small island. And look at how Germany has opened their arms to help. Many countries are offering relief. I don't see how we can close our doors."
Sarah said, "The world is round."
I burst into laughter. Such a simple observation that summed it all up.
Round has no borders.
No separation.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. --Luke 2:8-14