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A couple days after the Starbucks red cup fiasco ("Cupgate 2015"), I saw a full page graphic in the National Post where some sort of Christmas expert was pronouncing (with ratings out of 10) which common Christmas symbols were truly representative of the Christian message. Angels, stars and nativity scenes were given high ratings while snowflakes and gingerbreas houses ranked poorly. While much of our Christmas holiday celebrates Jesus, much of it does not.

As we head towards Advent, there is one dominant news story which reaches into the heart of Christmas, and it has nothing to do with coffee cups. 2000 years ago a young family fled for their lives from an oppressive and evil regime. They only escaped because of the providence and protection of God and sought refuge in Egypt far from home and all that was familiar. The baby Jesus who we celebrate at Christmas was a refugee and the people of Egypt welcomed him in. When I was in Egypt last year I noticed how proudly the Egyptian Christians displayed artwork of Joseph, Mary and Jesus arriving in Egypt complete with pyramids in the background. Jesus was a refugee and Egypt embraced him.

Likewise, God instructs us to love our neighbour and welcome the stranger in. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Heb 13:1-3).

For the sake of loving God and loving our neighbour, TAC has decided as a church to partner with the C&MA to sponsor a refugee family in 2016. We need a team of committed volunteers to co-ordinate this effort and show the love of Jesus to a family in need.

We are hosting an important information meeting on Sunday December 6 at 7:30pm at the church. Anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved is encouraged to attend.